Mission Statement
“Mesquite Works STEAM Center’s mission is to nurture and prepare the young minds of today for the challenges and opportunities of the future. We believe that the key to unlocking a brighter future lies in developing the 4 C’s – Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Communication through hands-on STEAM programs.”
Vision For the Future
“Mesquite Works STEAM Center’s vision is to help facilitate students’ learning, preparing them with 21st-century skills by developing the 4 C’s: Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Communication through hands-on STEAM activities. These activities revolve around Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Agriculture, and Math.”
The Inspiring Journey of the Mesquite Works STEAM Center
The Inspiring Journey of the Mesquite Works STEAM Center 🚀
In 2015, Mesquite Works was born—a small but mighty 501(c)(3) non-profit with a big dream: to empower the community through free job training and assistance. From a humble office in the Mesquite Plaza Shopping Center, this all-volunteer organization made waves, hosting job fairs that attracted over 200 eager job seekers at each event. 🌟
Then came the curveball: COVID-19. The pandemic drastically reduced the number of job seekers, but instead of stepping back, the Mesquite Works board stepped up. They reimagined their mission, inspired by local educators and community leaders, and a bold new idea took shape—a learning center for youth that would spark curiosity, creativity, and innovation. 💡
Enter the Charles and Phyllis M. Frias Charitable Trust, owners of the shopping center. Not only did they embrace this vision, but they also made an extraordinary gesture—donating the entire shopping center to Mesquite Works, contingent on raising local funding. The community rallied like never before, and in just two months, over $200,000 poured in from generous donors. This incredible collective effort gave birth to the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Agriculture, and Math (STEAM) Center. 🎉
Today, the STEAM Center is a vibrant hub of opportunity and inspiration. Spanning over 7,000 square feet of dynamic classroom and educational space, it welcomes more than 400 students and families. With a dedicated team of five full- and part-time staff, and thanks to the unwavering support of the community, nearly all programs are offered free of charge. We passionately champion STEM and STEAM education for children of all ages, nurturing curiosity through our inspiring Learn-Play-Grow philosophy. Join us in igniting a love for learning that empowers young minds to explore, innovate, and thrive!🙌