Paul Mincarelli, Maryland Out of School Time Network

Paul's Fellowship:

Paul will focus on the creation of a STEM Ecosystem where educators, students, parents, nonprofits, and local businesses collaborate for enhanced opportunities for Baltimore's youth. He believes that every student in Baltimore deserves access to high-quality STEM opportunities. In the fostering of a STEM Ecosystem, more students will develop 21st century job skills, and have fun doing it.

Background:

Previously, Paul was an Americorps VISTA working on STEM programming statewide. During his year of service, he helped facilitate the start-up of the Baltimore Robotics Center and published a report entitled "Landscaping Baltimore's STEM Ecosystem." In 2015, he served as Program Manager for SummerREADS: a six-week literacy initiative that leverages recently-renovated, Baltimore Public School Libraries for Baltimore's K-3 youth. Paul has a Master of Public and International Affairs Degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

Why do you choose to live and work in Baltimore?

Baltimore is home for a variety of reasons: friendly citizens, strong sense of community, amazing food, and a professional environment that fosters collaboration and support. There's a creative streak here, too. Everyone you meet professionally is actually better at something else, which they keep as a hobby. Baltimore is home to storytellers, great senses of humor, hopeful altruists, and it's hard to think of anywhere else I'd rather be.

What's one surprising fact about yourself?

I went to grad school in hopes of becoming a spy.

Go-to snack?

Peanuts