RE: Boston Scientific Foundation Awards $30,000 Grant to EXPOSE for STEM Horizons Program

EXPOSE, formerly known as United African Women (UAW), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Los Angeles County, is proud to announce it has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Boston Scientific Foundation. This funding will support STEM Horizons: Youth Leadership and Skills Development, a year-round, out-of-school STEAM education program that has served middle and high school students across Los Angeles County since 2020.

The grant will enable EXPOSE to expand the program, which currently serves 200 to 250 students annually and delivers more than 1,500 structured hours of hands-on instruction, mentorship, and career exposure each year. The program is intentionally designed to serve economically disadvantaged youth, with approximately 80 percent of participants meeting federal low-income eligibility guidelines.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Boston Scientific Foundation for their generous support,” said Monalisa Okojie, Founder and CEO of EXPOSE. “This grant will allow us to expand our STEM Horizons program, reaching more students and deepening our impact. With this investment, we can continue to provide the hands-on learning, mentorship, and career exposure that builds academic confidence, technical skills, and real pathways to success in high-demand STEM and health innovation fields.”

STEM Horizons delivers rigorous, hands-on learning experiences including:

• Applied engineering challenges and robotics design

• Introductory coding and real-world problem-solving projects

• Mentorship sessions with professionals in engineering, healthcare technology, and innovation sectors

• Career exposure to pathways often inaccessible in underserved communities

Program evaluation data demonstrates measurable and lasting impact:

• 40% increase in student confidence in STEM subjects

• 35% measurable improvement in analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills

• 95% of participants report increased interest in STEM-related postsecondary education

• 80% demonstrate strengthened STEM identity and leadership confidence

• 70% express intent to pursue advanced STEM coursework or career pathways

“The Boston Scientific Foundation is proud to support EXPOSE and its STEM Horizons program, which is making a tangible difference in the lives of economically disadvantaged youth in Los Angeles County,” said Jessica Aleshire, Program Officer at the Boston Scientific Foundation. “We are excited to see the continued growth and success of this important initiative.”

This grant will support program expansion to serve additional students, increase instructional hours, and introduce new health and biomedical STEM learning opportunities aligned with growing workforce needs. By combining rigorous skill development, consistent mentorship, and measurable outcome tracking, EXPOSE ensures that students are not only exposed to STEM but equipped to succeed in it.

About EXPOSE

EXPOSE (formerly United African Women) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Los Angeles County. The organization provides transformative STEAM education, mental health services, and meaningful cultural programming, equipping communities to unlock opportunities that drive lasting change. With over a decade of community-based service, EXPOSE is committed to building equity and opportunity for youth and families in marginalized communities.

About the Boston Scientific Foundation

The Boston Scientific Foundation is dedicated to improving health and STEM educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged populations in the United States and Puerto Rico. Through grants and partnerships, the Foundation supports programs that strengthen STEM education and career readiness for underserved youth.”

Media Contact Information

For all media inquiries, please direct to

Christiana Omaku

Phone: +1(213) 909-0087

Email: comaku@expose.ngo

https://www.expose.ngo/