From New Beginnings to a Bright Future: STEM Inspires Wenhao to Dream Big

At just eight years old, Wenhao was already asking the kinds of questions that engineers ask every day: Why doesn’t this work? How can I make it better? Through STEM enrichment programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, he found a place to turn that curiosity into action.

After moving from China to the United States with his family, Wenhao discovered more than hands-on STEM activities at the Club. While learning English as a second language, he found a supportive community that helped him build confidence, pursue his interests, and begin imagining a future in STEM.

Today, that same curiosity continues to drive him forward. “I know I can always try something new,” Wenhao says, capturing the mindset that makes STEM such a powerful pathway for growth.

A Place to Learn, Belong & Lead

As his family adjusted to life in a new country, Wenhao went to the Club every afternoon while his father, GuangSen, worked long hours to support their new beginning. What started as a safe place to go after school quickly became where Wenhao could test ideas, make friends and grow with mentors.

Each day, he dove into hands-on STEM activities, from constructing electric circuits to designing LEGO creations. While language was initially a barrier, Club staff and friends who spoke his native language helped bridge communication gaps, explaining mathematical concepts and encouraging him to keep exploring.

Before long, Wenhao wasn’t just participating. He was leading.

“Wenhao is a hands-on learner. He’s quickly become a leader other kids go to for help with math,” said Program Leader Olusola “Olu” Akanni, who facilitates STEM modules with K-12 students at the Club.

One project showed just how far Wenhao had come. During a STEM activity, he studied a manual and built a battery-powered greenhouse model. Once he finished assembling, he asked Olu a bigger question, “What was the greenhouse for?”

That question opened a conversation about growing food, sustainability and caring for the environment. It was a moment that showed the transformation taking place. Wenhao had moved beyond building something correctly. He was beginning to think critically, ask questions and explore how ideas connect to the world around him.

At Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, moments like these happen every day, including at the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse.

“Clubs provide a safe, level playing field for kids to explore,” said Olu. “They have the freedom to ask questions, make mistakes and learn from them in a much more relaxed environment.”

The impact extended beyond learning. Every afternoon, Wenhao had plenty to share when his dad picked him up from the Club. And as the months passed, GuangSen noticed even more positive changes in his son.

“He became very happy, very lively, and learned better study habits. His English language skills especially have improved a great deal,” GuangSen said.

For Wenhao, the Club provided more than after-school activities. It offered a sense of belonging during a major life transition, the confidence to lead, and the opportunity to see himself as a problem-solver, a learner and a young person with unlimited potential.

Partnerships that Power STEM Curiosity

BGCA’s partnership with the Gilead Foundation plays a crucial role in empowering young innovators like Wenhao. Across the country, the Gilead Foundation provides eight local Clubs with the necessary equipment to bring STEM learning to life, including supplies for building circuits, conducting experiments and more.

At Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, this support helps expand hands-on STEM opportunities across its Clubs. Education Director Robert Harris, who works at the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse, says the support is critical, giving more young people the chance to explore, create and problem-solve beyond the classroom.

“Without our partnership with Gilead, our Club wouldn’t have what we need to do STEM experiments,” Robert shared. “Having those resources is what opens the door for our members to explore. With Wenhao, for example, you can put materials in front of him, and he may figure out a way to use them that you never thought of before.”

The Next Generation of Problem-Solvers

November 8 is National STEM Day and celebrates the discoveries kids like Wenhao make through science, technology, engineering and math every day. At nearly 5,500 Boys & Girls Clubs, those opportunities continue after school and during the summer, giving young people time to explore their interests and imagine future careers. Wenhao, now 9, already has one in mind: becoming an engineer.

For now, there are more projects to build and questions to ask. With caring mentors, programs and partnerships like the Gilead Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs give millions more youth like Wenhao a place to discover endless possibilities.

Since 2025, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has partnered with the Gilead Foundation to strengthen STEM learning for young people from elementary school through high school. The collaboration has a special focus on eight Club organizations across the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Maryland, Washington, D.C., New Jersey and North Carolina. That support helps local Clubs improve the quality and accessibility of STEM programs while preparing young people for future education. Together, the Gilead Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America aim to help give more young people opportunities to develop the skills they need for future STEM careers.