Grand Challenge Scholars Program Portfolio
Service Learning
Gold
Digital Harbor Foundation Tech Center (DHF) is a non-profit organization located in Baltimore City that is dedicated to foster learning, creativity, productivity, and community through education. It delivers innovative programs that aim youth towards career-readiness through both tech-skill and soft-skill development (such as innovation, grit, perseverance).
I worked at DHF from August 2018 through March 2020, approximately 12 hours a week. During my time at DHF, Tinkering Toys was one of my favorite courses I facilitated. The aim of this course was to teach youth a variety of manufacturing techniques for creating toys. For each project, we worked through the design process, tested prototypes, and then turned them into actual toys using different techniques each time such as fabrication through sewing, 3D printing and laser cutting. At the end of the cycle, we had our very own Toy Fair, where youth pitched their company ideas to the public. They showcased each of the products they made and talked about the processes used to create each one. We had a lot of fun, and learned a lot from each other.
Learning Objectives
Program Wide Learning Objective
Perspectivism:
My service experience will contribute to the learning objective of perspectivism. When dealing with children, you must think things through from their point of view and perspective. You must think about the complexity of the projects that is assigned to them, you have to think about the kind of energy you bring into the maker room, so children can look forward to coming here every single day. Finally, you have to think about how to teach different type of children and how to engage them in maker activities, this way they are enjoying and having fun.
Persistence
Another learning objective that contributes to my service experience is persistence. During my time at DHF, as a student it would sometimes get very challenging to come in for work due to load of homework and exams. Sometimes the children would be having bad days as well and would not listen. Therefore, I had to think about creative ways to keep them engaged and focused. Even through all the challenges, I was able to commit and persist to facilitate children at Digital Harbor Foundation Tech Center.
Core Service Learning Objectives
Community Engagement
I participated in Baltimore City Public Schools by supervising different courses that helped ignite their passion to keep learning.
Civic Agency
I made many new connections with the youth by talking to them and learning more about their experiences in STEM. To make sure no one was excluded, we created a club called makerettes where girls worked together on special projects to enhance their skills and so they would feel more connected to one another.
Capacity for Reflection
By being a part of this wonderful organization, I was able to reflect on how beneficial it is to be given access to technology from a very young age, where kids can use their imagination to create creative technology. Throughout my time at DHF, I was also able to enhance my technological skills as well. I learned 3D- printing, laser-cutting, circuits and so much more. I am so grateful to be a part of this program. This organization made a commitment to create access to transformative opportunities through technology in Baltimore and beyond. I want to take what I learned from here and create more opportunities like this around the world for children.
Personalized Learning Objective
Commitment
One of the objectives that is important to me personally is commitment, which is essential for success. Commitment is a strong indicator of self-discipline, resilience, and persistence. At my time at DHF, I was able to demonstrate commitment by spending my extra time with the youth there and getting to know them individually. Some of the children had tough time coming-up with ideas, I was able to inspire them with ideas, and they created very nice toys at the end.
Reflection
Participating in the Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP) and engaging in service learning has been a transformative experience for me. One particular aspect of my service learning journey involved facilitating STEM courses for 3rd to 5th-grade students in Digital Harbor Foundation Tech Center, located in Baltimore City. This opportunity allowed me to contribute to the local community while developing valuable skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of STEM education. Initially, I approached this service learning experience with a sense of excitement mixed with a bit of nervousness. I knew that working with young students would require patience, adaptability, and effective communication. As the program progressed, however, I quickly realized the immense joy and satisfaction that comes from inspiring young minds and igniting their curiosity about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. One of the most rewarding aspects of facilitating STEM courses was witnessing the students' growth and enthusiasm. It was incredibly fulfilling to witness their transformation from hesitant learners to confident problem solvers. As we explored various STEM concepts through hands-on activities, the students exhibited a remarkable eagerness to explore, experiment, and ask insightful questions. Their inquisitive nature fueled my own passion for STEM, reminding me of the incredible potential that lies within each child. Moreover, this service learning experience deepened my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities present in underprivileged communities. Working in Baltimore City, I witnessed firsthand the impact of limited resources and educational disparities on students' access to quality STEM education. This experience ignited a sense of social responsibility within me, motivating me to advocate for equal educational opportunities and inspire positive change. Through this service learning experience, I honed crucial skills such as effective communication, adaptability, and leadership. I learned to tailor my teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and engage students from different backgrounds. I also developed a heightened sense of empathy and cultural awareness, recognizing the importance of incorporating cultural context into STEM education to ensure inclusivity and relevance. Overall, my service learning experience as a STEM course facilitator in Baltimore City through the GCSP has been truly transformative. It has reaffirmed my passion for STEM education, highlighted the power of mentorship, and provided me with valuable insights into the challenges faced by underserved communities. This experience has not only contributed to the local community but has also shaped my personal and professional growth, instilling in me a commitment to lifelong learning, social responsibility, and the pursuit of positive change. I am grateful for the opportunities provided by the GCSP, and I look forward to continuing my journey as an advocate for equitable access to quality STEM education, inspired by the experiences and impact of my service learning endeavor.