Local families in Half Moon Bay engaged in a free evening of STEAM education, art activities, and health services, organized by the youth-led nonprofit Krafty Kids.
HALF MOON BAY, CA — On September 11, local families gathered at the ALAS Cultural Wellness Center for an enriching evening that combined STEAM education, creative art activities, and essential health services. The event was organized by Krafty Kids, a nonprofit founded by Bay Area high school student Maya Panchal, in collaboration with Ayudando Latinos a Soñar, community health professionals, and the Los Altos High School Robotics Team.
Maya Panchal established Krafty Kids with the mission of making creative arts and STEAM education more accessible, particularly for children in underserved communities. Her commitment to this cause was evident during the event, where families could engage in various hands-on activities.
“We are incredibly grateful to Maya for choosing ALAS to help carry out her mission,” said Dr. Kelly Delaney, education program director at ALAS. “Her dedication to bringing accessible, high-quality STEAM learning to our Coastside families perfectly aligns with our vision of uplifting the community through education and holistic support.”
Throughout the evening, children participated in a range of activities, including designing custom tote bags, creating origami pinwheels, and enjoying a hair tinsel station. Families also contributed to a collaborative ALAS Community Tree by creating hand-tracing artwork.
The Los Altos High School Robotics Team showcased a live interactive robot, introducing students to fundamental engineering and technology concepts. This hands-on demonstration aimed to spark interest in STEM fields among young participants.
In addition to the creative and educational activities, volunteer physicians and nurses offered preventive health services, including blood pressure checks and nutrition guidance, further supporting the wellness of the community.
Panchal’s vision extends beyond this event; she has previously conducted workshops at local homeless shelters, including LifeMoves in Mountain View, where she worked with children who have faced trauma and other adverse childhood experiences. She believes that art serves as a powerful medium for young people to express their emotions and forge connections with others.
“This event was designed to inspire curiosity and support the overall wellness of participating families,” Panchal stated. “Seeing parents and children from the Coastside community come together to create art, discover robotics, and connect with health professionals side-by-side exceeded our highest expectations.”
Looking ahead, Krafty Kids plans to expand its partnerships across the Bay Area, aiming to bring similar educational and wellness programs to other underserved communities.
For more information about Krafty Kids and their initiatives, visit their website.