Zenzele Arts & World Culture STEAM Program

Zenzele Youth Project addresses the root causes of inequities related to generational wealth, health, educational gaps in many Black & BIPOC communities. Repeated adverse childhood and social conditions including poverty, homelessness, abuse, violence, neglect, racism, unclear immigration status in the children and families leads to poor outcome. Individual effort, along with focus on parents, family, and communities is needed for changes. This program envisions a safe environment for every young Black child by developing their mindsets through culturally relevant conversations and interactions to develop the STEM skills and habits necessary for positive outcome.

Science and engineering learning develops in multiple settings, in and out of school and overtime including multi-generational family groups, in self-selected social groups, informal settings such as science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, and other place-based learning. In addition, digital media and online learning and learning from each other and  connecting via video conferencing with families in Africa and other parts of the world can be an important source of development of STEM identity.

By targeting recruitment of students in historically underrepresented groups into a program designed to inspire children to consider roles in high-demand occupations, the hope is to close the gap in representation in these fields. Doing so, would provide above average wages to historically marginalized groups of people and combat poverty through the cultivation, development and inspiration of one future scientist, doctor, or computer programmer at a time.

For more information, email us at equitysplash.oni@gmail.com