Anike Sakariyawo, the founder of S.E.E.K. Foundation, Inc., has secured a remarkable $4 million in funding from the state of Florida. This funding will propel her mission to diversify the future tech workforce by establishing a state-of-the-art STEM hub in Opa-Locka, Miami.
The four-story SMART Tech Health Hub project will provide underserved families with invaluable resources to enter the STEM workforce and access essential health services. Sakariyawo’s vision aims to address the longstanding void in Opa-Locka, a community lacking a high school or technical facility.
Bridging the Gap: Empowering Underserved Communities in STEM
Recent reports have highlighted the significant career exposure gap faced by Black children in STEM fields, despite their keen interest. Sakariyawo’s initiative seeks to combat this disparity by providing wraparound resources and creating pathways for underserved families to thrive in tech careers.
“We are looking to provide Opa-Locka community members of all ages access to educational resources and pathways to STEM careers for children and adults, and a space to innovate and follow individual curiosity,” Sakariyawo stated.
Forging Partnerships for Comprehensive Support
Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Sakariyawo plans to partner with local public health entities, county health departments, and federally qualified health centers. This holistic approach ensures that the STEM hub not only nurtures technical skills but also caters to essential health services.
“The partnership with the Miami Foundation’s Digital Equity Collective program has been pivotal in advancing this initiative,” Sakariyawo acknowledged, emphasizing the significance of such collaborations in realizing her vision.
