Where did April go…Hello Mid-May!!
It’s already mid-May and I didn’t realize April zipped clear past us without an update! It’s been quite a busy couple of months with schools winding down for the summer. Yet, we are looking forward to working with our students this summer!  We have been able to continue to evolve throughout these unprecedented times and fully expand our virtual programming! Now, we are excited to be able to work with students this summer IN-PERSON!
Both Charleston and Berkley county school districts are still optimistic that we will be able to implement in-person instruction next semester.
Here’s a brief update!
Education
Our coding programming was very successful throughout the pandemic. Kudos to our amazing coding instructor, Paige Hetherington. She single-handily saved our coding programming throughout this pandemic! I really couldn’t have done it without her constant commitment!
It was a difficult and rocky start, but our students seemed to grasp the concept very well. Recently, we ended our coding session at Frierson Elementary and CDA. Paige did an amazing job keeping 3rd- 5th graders engaged via a screen for an hour.
At Charleston Development Academy, the 7th graders were introduced to the fundamentals of website design and they all successfully built their 1st published website! We hope to share some of those sites on our website soon.
Not only are we expanding the digital tech curriculum at Angel Oak Elementary, but we hope to strengthen our relationship with the Johns Island/ Wadmalaw area. We are looking forward to assisting in these efforts and re-engaging their students at Angel Oak, Mt. Zion, and Frierson Elementary. Also, we will introduce our mission to Haut Gap and St. John High School!
Summer Programming
Currently, we are in the planning stages of summer enrichment programming. Starting in June, we have partnered with CCSD Expanded Learning (Kaleidoscope). Also, we have started some dialogue with CDA and a local program, Game Changers by First Tee. We are very excited to start teaching in person this summer!
Calling all media artists! We need Graphic Designers, Digital Photographers, and any willing media artist/designer/architects with a desire to teach! All instructors are compensated! If you’re able to dedicate at least 45mins to 1hour out of your week, let us know! Please help me spread the word!
PartnershipsÂ
Last week, we ended our session at Metanoia Youth Leadership Academy. Every Thursday, we met with the students after school!  From the comfort of their homes, we introduced fashion design and digital photography to K-12 students. The elementary students created photo collages that emulated African American collage artist, Romare Bearden.
We mailed out art kits stocked with all the needed supplies to create a collage inspired by “what made me happy!” Due to the boundaries of the pandemic, we weren’t able to physically see all of the amazing pieces created by the students.
The high school students were introduced to fashion design by our long-time instructor and friend, Jonatan Ramirez. Words can’t express my gratitude for Jonatan’s dedication to our organization. He has continued to expose students to the diverse, exciting, and ever-changing fashion industry!
The goal was to be engaging and allow students to be able to use certain elements in their everyday and outside of high school lives. Hopefully, next semester we will be able to work with the students and create actually pieces!
Support
As the nation continues to slowly reopen, we are looking forward to celebrating our mission and boost all fundraising efforts in person! Financial support is key to our daily operation and mission.
We are encouraged and inspired by our community. So, we are always open to any ideas, suggestions, knowledge, profession, etc. that could help us strengthen our mission. Be sure to follow us on all social media platforms for up-to-date news and happenings! See links below.
Again, we do have a future. It will be different, and it will be better. We know this because we know you, our donors, sponsors, and instructors, care so much about our young, talented, and energetic students. Together we will develop a better future!
Best,
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