FAMESTM | Finance, Arts, and STEM: Mr. Louis A. Mayo introduced the field of planetary science to students attending FAMESTM Summer STEM Program at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington DC (BGCGW) with an interactive debate format that captured their attention and involved them in the learning process. As background, Mayo explained his path to becoming a planetary
scientist, beginning at the age of three and holding star parties at a very young age. He set the stage for the debate by explaining NASA’s Kepler science mission, which is “to explore the structure and diversity of planetary systems beyond our own.” The students were surprised by the fact that there are trillions of stars and likely as many planets as stars in the universe. Once he had piqued their interest, Mayo began the debate by giving the students the choice of three different topics. After they chose Search for Life in the Universe, he divided the students into two groups to debate Is There Life Beyond the Earth. Mayo supported and encouraged both sides by providing the students with scientific details. The debate resulted in lively discussions and proved to be a highly successful teaching tool. Mayo ended his presentation with a magic card trick, which the students loved. More 
than 40 students from grades 6 to 9 and their summer camp counselors attended the presentation. As one sixth grade student wrote in a report following the presentation: “I mostly 
Loved the Man that came here and studied space exploration and constellations. He had us do a debate about life on other planets but I had fun anyway being on the team I didn’t want to fight for. I think with him being a scientist and talking about the future makes me want to be an engineer or entrepreneur and doing good for the community.” Thank you Mr. Mayo. Mayo volunteered his time for FAMES Summer STEM Program at BGCGW on July 13, 2016.
Louis A. Mayo is a planetary scientist, professor of astronomy at Marymount University, and program manager for ADNET Systems, Inc. at NASA GSFC. Mayo is the Founder and President of ARIES Scientific, a non-profit company supporting national impact astronomy education programs. He is also an Associate Director of the DC Space Grant Consortium, Editorial Advisory Board member for the “Journal for Earth and Space Science Education”, Executive Board Member for the ‘Telescopes In Education” Foundation, and member of the AAS/Division for Planetary Sciences Education Committee. President George W. Bush complemented Mayo for his STEM education support to both students and teachers. Mayo received B.S. in Astronomy and M.S. in Counseling from the University of Maryland. He has completed course work for Ph.D. in Astronomy, James Cook University (Thesis pending).
On June 22, 2016 FAMESTM launched its eight week long Summer STEM Program for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. Professionals who are actively working in STEM-
related fields are invited to act as role models by talking to the students about their career path their current work. These presentations expose the students to science and engineering beyond what their classroom education can provide. FAMESTM (www.famesusa.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring and educating disadvantaged youth in Grades 4-12 in finance, arts, and STEM subjects, mainly during after school and summer programs. Through hands-on, computer-based and technology programs, our goal is to create a broader awareness in these areas, and inspire the curiosity that motivates students to want to know more. FAMES partners with schools, youth organizations, and sports clubs located in underprivileged areas, as well as other non-profits with complementary missions. By offering relevant and engaging programs, our ultimate goal is to increase opportunity for underprivileged youth so they grow up to be significant contributors to society.