Saturday School for African American History

K-12 STEAM education

South LA County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The crime rate in Los Angeles is reported to be about 3,000 per 100,000 residents. The children in Los Angeles may not know these statistics. However, they are likely to be aware that there is a lot of crime often because of their free use of social media, crimes they hear about occurring in schools across the country - including LA, crimes that happen to people they know including children, or crimes in their neighborhoods. Studies have shown children who are aware of such crimes often feel vulnerable, helpless, hopeless. SSAAH aims to expose children to experiences and people who can inspire them to reach for their highest potential and to know they can help make this world even right here in Los Angeles a better place.

SSAAH presents examples in the various fields in which the children may find an interest to pursue a career. This is includes the different aspects of STEAM careers, careers in public service, careers in music and the arts. This is done by didactics, reading, researching information to share, and engaging in relevant activities. They have learned about inventors, for example, of some of the things they comely use, learning what inspired the inventor to do so. They were then encouraged to come up with ideas of things they might invent. Engaging in movement and mindfulness are important components of the program as well. Guest teachers who have been Los Angeleans engaged in the various disciplines noted are invited as living examples of what the students can become and do right here in our city. They have met politicians who helped them learn the importance of voting as the children created their won elections with the help of our excellent teachers.

The future of Los Angeles County will be in the hands of today's students. While many will visit other areas, their return to Los Angeles County for longterm residency is likely as they pursue opportunities for quality education, stable employment, and constructive entertainment.
Students and families will participate in activities that highlight commemorative events honoring local role models and leaders who work to ensure opportunities for all constituents to contribute fully to their communities and society. These experiences affirm student potential and motivate them to establish a path of involvement and service that will continue the cycle of help and hope throughout the county. 
Through SSAAH young people from historically marginalized backgrounds will lead in tech, science, and the arts with confidence, cultural fluency, and economic power.