The document summarizes Lighthouse Partners Foundation's (LPC) STEM program visit to Puerto Rico in 2016. The program exposes youth to science, technology, engineering and math careers through hands-on activities with University of Puerto Rico Professor Juan Gonzalez. Over a week, 15-25 students will explore Puerto Rico's flora and fauna through activities like visiting the Arecibo Observatory, learning about mangroves and bioluminescent bays, and examining plants in different ecosystems. The program aims to increase minority and female representation in STEM fields.

1. Lighthouse Partners
Foundation
SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY, AND MATH (STEM) PROGRAM VISIT TO
PUERTO RICO
2016

2. Overview
• LPC evolved through the workings of friends, family and colleagues coming together to
provide life-changing experiences for youth
• Over 7 years, LPC working in partnership with Dr. Juan Gonzalez of the University of Puerto
Rico, Mayaguez has exposed youth to the study of Puerto Rico’s flora and fauna by visiting
various locations across the island
• LPC is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization that falls under category 501(c)(3)

3. LP’s Mission
LPC’s mission is to expose youth to areas of science, math, and technology that can potentially
lead to careers in Oceanography, Meteorology, Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy, and other
Environmental Sciences
LP’s Strategic Imperatives
• Work with Universities, Federal, State and Local agencies to bridge learning for Students and
Teachers
• Work with communities that are underrepresented in STEM fields and motivate them
through learning to consider these fields as college alternatives
• Work with Teachers to provide training, mentoring, and STEM-based programs that enhance
classroom learning with real-life experiences
• Create programs that provide learning experiences that help youth better understand how
their curriculum choices can lead to college and ultimately career opportunities

4. Alignment with Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math (STEM) Objectives
Priority Alignment with Federal STEM Programs
Yes No
Targets communities in and around the greater metropolitan areas of: Washington, DC.; Long Island,
N.Y.; Baltimore and Columbia, MD X
Engages students in innovative, hands-on learning activities X
Help teachers improve their teaching of STEM subjects X
Teaches innovative thinking and creative problem-solving skills X
Focuses on girls and underrepresented minorities X
Provides opportunities for Teachers and Parents to volunteer X
Demonstrates measurable change in STEM awareness, skills or education through the use of
evaluation systems and appropriate measurement tools X
Collaborates with other STEM education providers and/or institutions X
Demonstrates the ability to move students through the pipeline to more advanced STEM education or
careers
X
Focuses on vocational skills and certifications in engineering technology X

5. Our Puerto Rico Program
Lighthouse Partners (LP) foundation participants will experience all the riches of Puerto Rico through the
exploration of the island’s flora and fauna. LP’s students will be working with Dr. Juan Gonzalez on several important
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) based activities.
LP’s Purpose
Women and minorities are severely underrepresented in the science and math fields. LP’s goals and objectives are
intended to provide student’s real-life’s experiences through hands-on learning by working with Marine Biologist, Dr.
Juan Gonzalez and the University of Puerto Rico. This trip consist of STEM-based activities for students with the
hope that they will consider stem-based majors as the move on through college into their careers. It is our belief that
through this exposure, at least 20% of our students will choose a STEM-based major when they attend college and
deciding their career path.
LSP working in partnership with Dr. Juan Gonzalez of the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has developed hands-
on learning objectives that many inner-city youth will never experience

6. Preparation and Literature Reviews
Literature review: Students will spend time in the
classroom reading to understand the fields of meteorology,
oceanography, biology, and astronomy. Our learning
opportunities will include exercises that expose them to these
areas of study and the associated professional opportunities
available in these fields.

7. Learning Objectives
Learning Opportunity 1 – students will visit Arecibo a
municipality on the northern coast of Puerto Rico to tour of the
observatory and witness one of the largest telescopes in the
world. They will learn about different types of telescopes then
compared them to telescopes they will research here in the
United States
Learning Opportunity 2 – students will discuss how
climate impacts the fundamental needs of these flowers and
shrubs. They will compare flowers indigenous to the island
with other flowers and shrubbery they will observed during
various stops to the dry forest, wet forest, and coastal zones

8. Learning Objectives
Learning Opportunity 3 -- Students will take a boat tour to
learn about mangroves, what makes them successful and what
causes them stop growing. They will have the opportunity to
touch them, learn about the four types and understand their
importance to the ecosystem
Learning Opportunity 4 – Students visit Guánica State
Forest, a subtropical dry forest located in southwest Puerto
Rico to examine vegetation and living organisms indigenous to
the area. They examine the diverse plant species, of which 48
are endangered and 16 are endemic to the forest

9. Learning Objectives
Learning Opportunity 5 – Students will visit Cabo Roja to
learn how salt is removed from the ocean water and stored.
They will also understand the migratory patterns of an
assortment of birds that fly through the area. Students will get
a chance to see fertile grounds that produce sea monkeys along
with how caves are naturally carved off the Caribbean Coast
Learning Opportunity 6 – Students will take a Boat Trip
into La Parguera Biobay one of three bioluminescent bays (bio
bays) in Puerto Rico. During the day some students will
snorkel and retrieve coral to share with our younger students.
Later that night students return so they can understand
bioluminescence with conversations with Dr. Gonzalez

10. 2016 Budget
• Students (15 to 25 Students) $ 15/25,000
• Travel & Lodging
• Meals $ 2/3,000
• Chaperon’s (1to5 Ratio)
• Travel & Lodging $ 5/7,000
• Stipend $ 1/2,000
• Educational Tools $ 3/5,000 (one-time)
• Curriculum Development $ 1/2,000
• Administrative Program Costs $ 1/2,000
• Totals $28 / $46,000

11. Contributions
Lighthouse Partners – your contribution will change a child's life!
https://https://www.gofundme.com/2k5ura7h
Sent payments to:
Lighthouse Partners
9004 Ina Court
Columbia, MD 21045
C/o: 2016 STEM Program
EIN: 47-3869720

12. This Year’s Trip