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ARTICLE. From Lacey Armistead November 2024 as CEO/Founder of Bright Start and Senior at Pinewood School.
“Growing up, I often heard stories from my grandfather about his childhood on a pineapple farm on Kauai, Hawaii. He used to wake up at 5 a.m. every day and walk barefoot to school, balancing his education with long hours working on the farm. His story has always stayed with me. He worked so hard just to get an education—something I’ve been privileged to receive without the same struggles. This story inspired my work with Bright Start.
I’ve always been passionate about STEM. Ever since I was a kid, I loved building things, figuring out how they worked, and solving problems. As I moved through high school, that passion grew, and I found myself drawn to computer engineering. I’m planning to major in it when I head off to college next year. But what really shaped me was my privilege in having access to labs, technology, and resources that made my learning take shape. However, I realized not every kid gets those opportunities—especially children of farmworkers who move with the crops, leaving behind the stability needed for consistent education.
That’s when I knew I wanted to do something to make a difference.
Through Bright Start, I design and teach STEM lessons to farmworker children who face these educational gaps. I partner with ALAS, a nonprofit in Half Moon Bay that supports the Latino coastal community, to deliver hands-on lessons to groups of middle school students. After each lesson, I hand out STEM kit boxes that allow them to keep learning at home. The instructions are in both Spanish and English, so language isn’t a barrier.
I continue to spread my reach by partnering with the Center for Farmworker Families in Watsonville to distribute more STEM kits to families. To date, I’ve taught three lessons and distributed over 200 kits. Now, I’m about to teach my fourth lesson, and I’m looking forward to sharing new ideas and strategies with the students. I’m also excited to learn from them. Each class brings unique perspectives and insights that enrich the experience for everyone.
For me, this project isn’t just about teaching science or technology. It’s about showing these kids that their future doesn’t have to be limited. They can dream big, just like my grandfather did, even when the odds are against them.”
If you would like to contribute to helping migrant farm workers, please consider donating to the following organizations:
Donate to ALAS: https://www.alasdreams.com/donate
Donate to Center for Farmworker Families: https://farmworkerfamily.org/donate
Contact Lacey Armistead at (650)-544-6515 and [email protected]
Author: Coastside Buzz
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