Drexel University’s after school program, Black Girls STEAMing Through Dance, has provided children with valuable tools and knowledge about how science, technology, engineering, art, and math are interconnected, writes Nicole Leonard for WHYY.
Through the program, the instructors encourage their students to embrace their creativity and then using it to learn new terms, concepts, and skills within the vast STEAM fields.
The creativity can range from body movements, to clothing design, artistic expression, and everything in between.
Among the program’s many goals is to help bridge the digital divide for children who don’t have the same access to certain resources and tools that would allow them to explore things like art, engineering, or coding.
The program is also meant to inspire children — especially young Black girls who are severely underrepresented — to pursue careers in the STEAM fields.
The latter goal is critically important because all four of the program’s founders are Black women themselves.
“We all come from disciplines where we are the only or few. And we want to make sure that that isn’t the future for everybody,” said co-founder Valerie Ifill.
While the program focuses on Black girls, boys and other students are welcome to participate, as the founders strive to break down silos.
Read more about what is taught through the Black Girls STEAMing Through Dance program at WHYY.
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