Foundation To Launch Pioneering Digital Learning Academy To Close Cultural Gaps
The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) announced today its plans to launch “The Academy,” a digital enrichment tool for engaging youth in culturally relevant STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Athletics & Mathematics). As part of its 10th Anniversary year, TMJF will expand its programs and investment in STEAM education for youth in underserved communities.
About “The Academy”
The Academy is an innovative micro-learning platform offering powerful digital experiences designed to engage, inspire and encourage underserved youth. Families, schools, and youth can access the platform at no cost and from any device through a shareable link. TMJF seeks to increase productive screen-time by offering a trusted source of educational content that is culturally relevant and inspires youth to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art + Athletics, and Mathematics.
In its initial implementation, TMJF will collaborate with existing program partners to provide The Academy as a digital extension to TMJF’s existing slate of hands-on learning programs, complementing and augmenting its Summer STEAM Camp, Next Level Youth Football and Cheerleading Camp, Malcolm Jenkins Scholars, and Project REWARDS. TMJF’s vision is to use technology to scale its ability to provide all youth with STEAM based learning experiences that can increase youth engagement, confidence and enjoyment as a means for driving achievement.
The Academy was designed around a simple idea: Starting from an early age, underserved youth must “SEE IT” to believe they can “BE IT.” The Academy will provide culturally relevant and relatable role models for youth, featuring real world examples of successful STEAM practitioners, including entrepreneurs, activists, scientists and artists. Currently, there is a lack of diverse STEAM role models and peer support networks for children living in under-resourced communities. The result is these children do not see themselves reflected in positive ways in the educational materials found in school classrooms. The Academy seeks to engage youth using culturally relevant educational materials that feature minority influencers and leaders - role models that under-represented youth can identify with.
TMJF seeks future partnership alliances with companies, educators, schools, youth enrichment/mentoring organizations to support sustainability of the Foundation’s efforts.
Opportunities for involvement include:
· Bring The Academy into your school or classroom
· Deliver The Academy as part of your organization’s community programming
· Sponsor a custom curriculum featuring your company’s mission and products
· Use your platform to help us to reach more youth
To learn more about The Academy, please visit TMJF.org/future
Expansion of Summer STEAM Camp
Over the past four years, TMJF has made a significant investment in its cutting-edge Young Dragons Summer STEAM Camp, designed and implemented in partnership with the Drexel University ExCITe Center. The six-week, state-of-the-art summer camp, developed specifically to meet the needs of middle school students residing in the West Philadelphia, PA Promise Zone neighborhood, offers hands-on learning at no-cost to campers. In July 2020, TMJF will expand that free program model to The Ohio State University (OSU) community, implementing a three-year pilot called the Young Buckeyes Summer STEAM program in partnership with the OSU School of Engineering Inclusive Community Based Learning Lab (iCBL), led by Dr. David Delaine.
Both STEAM Camps will include a rigorous research component focused on broadening participation of underserved youth in STEM fields. Young Buckeyes Camp will also support innovative research that uses Digital Storytelling to promote a student’s ability to link their identity to STEAM and recognize that there is a place for them within the field. This research will validate the value of TMJF’s efforts and promote sustainability for its programs.
“I am proud to collaborate with my alma mater and the Columbus community to enlighten youth through this transformative program, and inspire them to envision themselves in technology-based careers that are poised for massive growth,” said Malcolm Jenkins, TMJF Founder and Chairman, and an OSU Alumni.
