For Quaker Valley High School senior Evelyn Zutter, a lifelong passion for science and art has grown into something much bigger than a personal interest. She is now a published children's book author, the creator of a hands-on STEAM outreach initiative and an advocate for helping young learners recognize possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves.
In celebration of National STEM Day on Nov. 8, Zutter is sharing how her love of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) inspired her to create opportunities for younger students to explore their interests and discover what they are capable of achieving.
At the center of her efforts is "The STEAM Power in Us," a children's book she wrote, illustrated and self-published to help young girls see themselves in STEAM-related fields.
"I just kind of wanted to reach young girls who could then relate and see their own potential in those STEAM areas," Zutter said.
The book features illustrated spreads connecting everyday childhood activities with real-world STEAM careers and accomplishments. A young girl building with blocks, for example, is paired with a woman working in architecture, demonstrating how childhood curiosity and creativity can develop into meaningful pursuits.
By featuring both historical figures and everyday women working in STEAM fields, Zutter hopes to make those possibilities feel accessible rather than out of reach.
"It's kind of just showing that they have the potential to pursue these areas and do whatever their passions pull them towards," she said.
Although Zutter had a clear vision for her book, bringing it to life required learning an entirely new set of skills.
"At first I had no clue what I was doing," she admitted.
She began by hand-drawing characters and developing the text before using Canva to assemble and design the book. From there, she researched the self-publishing process, navigating different platforms to make paperback, digital and hardcover editions available.
Zutter initially published through Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing before expanding distribution through IngramSpark. Along the way, she learned about formatting requirements, publishing specifications and the challenges of preparing different editions for readers.
While she independently developed the book, Zutter drew inspiration from people in her life, including individuals she featured in its pages. She also enlisted Kerry McGrath and her children as early readers, gathering valuable feedback to ensure the book would resonate with its intended elementary school audience.
After months of writing, illustrating, researching and problem-solving, finally holding a physical copy was a milestone.
"When you actually get to hold it, it's almost kind of like it sets in that this is real," she said.
For Zutter, publishing a book was only one part of a larger mission.
Recognizing that not every child has access to STEAM resources or opportunities, she developed an initiative to bring hands-on learning materials directly to children through Boys & Girls Clubs.
After connecting with The Pittsburgh Foundation, Zutter established a partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs in Western Pennsylvania to create and distribute STEAM activity boxes.
Each box contains educational materials, including Snap Circuits, marble runs, spiral art kits and other hands-on resources designed to encourage exploration and creative problem-solving. Zutter also developed accompanying activities and programming to help club staff use the materials with students.
Funding the project presented another challenge. Through a GoFundMe campaign and community support, Zutter raised money to assemble and distribute boxes to Western Pennsylvania Boys & Girls Club locations serving younger elementary school students. Additionally, all author's proceeds from the sale of her book fund these charitable endeavors.
But the most meaningful part of the experience came when she had the opportunity to see her work in action.
Joined by several fellow Quaker Valley students, Zutter visited the Millvale Boys & Girls Club to pilot the program. Together, they led two sessions, testing four activities and working directly with the children.
"When their eyes light up, and they sparkle, and they smile, I'm so happy," Zutter said. "It was really great to see, because you can kind of see their joy."
That experience reinforced her belief that exposure and encouragement can make a lasting difference.
"If you don't see the potential, then you don't know it's there to act on it," she explained.
Zutter's vision doesn't stop with the boxes already distributed.
She is working with fellow Quaker Valley students to establish a STEAM club at the high school, with hopes that members will serve as ambassadors who continue partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs to lead activities and mentor younger learners.
The goal is to create connections between high school students and elementary school children, giving younger students relatable role models who can help them envision their futures.
Zutter also hopes to expand her STEAM box initiative beyond Western Pennsylvania, eventually reaching additional clubs throughout the state and beyond.
Her work reflects a belief that meaningful change often begins with curiosity, grows through collaboration and becomes possible through a willingness to take on unfamiliar challenges.
As she prepares for graduation, Zutter plans to pursue biomedical engineering or a related field, with a long-term goal of becoming a research faculty member in academia. She also hopes to continue writing children's books and expanding her community outreach.
For Zutter, science and art have never been separate interests. Instead, she sees creativity as an essential part of scientific discovery and innovation.
The experience of publishing a book, building community partnerships and launching an outreach initiative has also changed how she thinks about her abilities.
"I think it's made me realize that there's a lot of things that we naturally are like, 'I don't think I can do that,'" she reflected. "Until you really set your mind to it and start doing it, and then you realize ... actually, these things are possible."
What began as an idea for a children's book has become an example of what can happen when a student combines her interests with a desire to make a difference.
And as Zutter continues encouraging younger children to recognize their potential, she has a simple message for anyone who might be hesitant to pursue something new.
"Be confident and pursue your passions."
"The STEAM Power in Us" is available through Amazon.