In March of 2026, New Pioneers joined the Rose Dodson STEM Program, hosted by Our Commonwealth, for a day of science, technology, engineering, and math learning around the monthly theme of architecture. This program is hosted once a month for third and fourth-grade students of color from Bardstown Elementary School, with a goal of sparking interest and future careers in the STEM field!

During this program, students completed three rotations to test their architectural skills and knowledge. At New Pioneers' station, students created their "Dream Homes," filled with all the luxurious features they could imagine. Then, we discussed the environmental impact of these lavish items.

Next, students explored ways to make their home more "green!" This included the addition of green roofs, clean energy, native plants, recycling and compost bins, and more. Plus, students were also allowed to remove and revise items from their homes using their newfound knowledge.

This activity helped students make connections to ways they can make their current home and school more "green." It also allowed students to explore materials and infrastructure that have lighter impacts on our planet than typical architectural practices.

Thank you to the Rose Dodson STEM Program for inviting New Pioneers to participate in this wonderful enrichment opportunity once again! We hope students enjoyed becoming "green architects" for the afternoon.

To view more photos from this program, click here, or on the collage above.