Award-Winning Actress Dawnn Lewis’ A New Day Foundation Sponsors Elementary STEM Clubs for Underserved Chicago Students

Nationwide — Frost Equity Initiative, a Los Angeles-based STEM education nonprofit, is expanding access to high-quality elementary STEM programs thanks to funding from A New Day Foundation, founded by award-winning actress, musician, producer, and activist Dawnn Lewis.

With support from A New Day Foundation, Frost Equity Initiative launched STEM Clubs for 2nd–5th grade students at Ida B. Wells Elementary School and Woodlawn Community Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois, providing students with 30 hours of hands-on STEM instruction during the fall 2025 semester. The program delivered hands-on, age-appropriate lessons in computer science fundamentals, physics, and artificial intelligence, designed to build curiosity, confidence, and foundational technical skills.

The artificial intelligence curriculum introduced students to emerging concepts such as computer vision and machine learning, culminating in students designing and creating their own games. For Woodlawn Community Elementary School, this initiative marked the first STEM program in the school’s history, representing a milestone for both students and staff.

Measurable Impact in Just Ten Weeks

The results were immediate and measurable. One hundred percent of Woodlawn Coding Club scholars reported increased interest in computer science and coding, and expressed a desire to continue learning beyond the program. Frost Equity Initiative instructors also observed notable improvements in critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. By the end of the program, demand exceeded capacity, with more students seeking to enroll than there were available computers.

“A technology-literate workforce is key to a community’s economic success,” said Ronnie Frost, Executive Director and Founder of Frost Equity Initiative. “Wells and Woodlawn’s supportive school staff, combined with the hands-on early exposure that Frost Equity provides, is critical to strengthening the skills students need to thrive in their STEM subjects. We are deeply grateful for the financial sponsorship and partnership of A New Day Foundation. Without their support, these clubs would not have been possible.”

Scaling Impact Through Partnerships

In 2025, Frost Equity Initiative has served over 1,000 students through STEM programs, including more than 800 students across 36 schools through partnerships with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) under the Beyond the Bell initiative. Programs include fun, accessible STEM enrichment experiences for students, parents, and educators, offered both on-site and virtually. Beyond K-12 programming, the organization also offers internships and workforce development initiatives that prepare students for future academic and career success.

About Frost Equity Initiative
Frost Equity Initiative is a 501(c)(3) Chicago STEM nonprofit dedicated to making STEM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics—accessible and equitable for K–12 students. Founded by former gaming-industry software engineer Ronnie Frost, the organization empowers youth through hands-on learning experiences that build confidence, technical skills, and long-term career readiness. Learn more by visiting FrostEquity.org or contact hello@frostequity.org

About A New Day Foundation
A New Day Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded by award-winning actress, musician, producer, and activist Dawnn Lewis. The foundation’s mission is to support the empowerment and education of underserved youth, provide capacity-building pro bono services for small and grassroots nonprofits, and deliver essential support services to underserved communities. All of our programs and workshops are provided free of charge to all participants. Learn more by visiting ANewDayFoundation.net/ or contact info@anewdayfoundation.net

Get Involved
Frost Equity Initiative welcomes new sponsors, donors, and school partners interested in expanding access to high-quality elementary STEM programs. Schools and organizations interested in bringing STEM enrichment to their campuses are encouraged to inquire about partnership opportunities.

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Award-Winning Actress Dawnn Lewis’ A New Day Foundation Sponsors Elementary STEM Clubs for Underserved Chicago Students