UAB Pre-Nursing Student Brooke Tinsley Leads Summer STEM Enrichment at Hawk Houston, Fostering Academic Growth and Leadership Development

Dothan, AL — This summer, the Hawk Houston Youth Enrichment Center partnered with Grove Community Outreach and PicScience to host a five-week

Math Camp and Tournament designed to strengthen foundational math skills in local elementary students. Leading this effort was Brooke Tinsley, a nursing student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), who served as the program’s lead instructor.

Tinsley guided eight students through a dynamic and personalized curriculum focused on multiplication, division, and fractions using PicScience’s Fractions for Beginners workbook. Her responsibilities included developing individualized learning plans, tracking academic progress, and delivering engaging instruction three days a week. She worked closely with Hawk Houston staff to ensure students received the support and encouragement needed to thrive. Brooke Tinsely, UAB Pre-nursing Student.

Drawing from her background as a Pre-Nursing student, Tinsley applied core principles such as individualized care, empathy, and strong communication. These same skills proved valuable in the classroom environment, helping her to foster both academic and personal growth among the students.

Reflecting on her experience, Tinsley shared,

“My time working with the kids at Hawk Houston was a rewarding, energetic experience. I had the opportunity to work closely with a group of bright and curious young students, helping them stay organized, focused, and encouraged throughout the day. Whether it was guiding them through their work, answering questions, or cheering them on, it was inspiring to see their excitement about learning. The experience reminded me how important patience, communication, and positivity are when working with kids. It was a fun and meaningful way to support education while building leadership skills.”