If you ask Stacey Broomfield why she joined Saturdays in the D, her answer is both simple and deeply rooted in purpose: “I wanted to stay current.”
After spending years in the classroom—teaching fourth grade to first grade reading—Stacey knows a thing or two about growth. But these days, instead of helping little ones sound out their first words, she’s diving into lines of code, learning Python, and exploring new tech tools like ChatGPT. “I actually took a programming class through Saturdays in the D back when I was in high school,” she said. “All these years later, I finally had the time to come back and devote myself to learning something new.”
“It’s life-changing. Just because it’s free doesn’t mean it’s thrown together. The instructors know what they’re doing, and they care.”- Stacey Broomfield
That curiosity and drive to learn is signature Stacey. Whether it’s building a lending library in her neighborhood to honor her late mother’s love for reading or planting blueberries and strawberries in her home garden, Stacey finds joy in creating spaces where others can grow too. “One of my biggest passions is just inspiring people—helping them develop however I can.”
A proud East Sider—raised near Balduck Park—Stacey has always had her community in mind. Her lending library, which she created with the help of her students, quickly became a local gem. “I drove past once and saw three little boys on dirt bikes huddled around the box, flipping through the books,” she said. “It was one of my favorite moments.”
Through Saturdays in the D, Stacey is adding new resources to her toolkit—not just for herself, but for the people around her. She talks about supporting friends who don’t have access to the program, sharing what she learns, and even encouraging older adults in her life to give tech a try. “My aunt always says, ‘Oh, this computer stuff!’ and I’m like, ‘It’s not that bad. Let’s try it together.’”
As a tutor and lifelong learner, Stacey sees technology as another way to continue her calling. “I just want to keep using the gifts God gave me to help others in different ways.”
Stacey’s Words for Future Applicants
When asked what she’d say to someone thinking about joining Saturdays in the D, her answer is heartfelt: “It’s life-changing. Just because it’s free doesn’t mean it’s thrown together. The instructors know what they’re doing, and they care. They even help you outside of class if you need it. You get to learn, build confidence, and meet people from your community. What more could you ask for?”
Thinking about joining? Do it. Take that first step and see where learning can take you, too.
Whether you’re brushing up on your tech skills, exploring new passions, or just looking for community—Saturdays in the D is here to help you grow.