On April 3, 2017, Councilman Richards visited the STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Math) for Social Change Program at The Linden SDA School in Laurelton. Councilman Richards has currently provided support to DIVAS for Social Justice through the Department of Cultural Affairs CASA funding for P.S 156 and P.S 132. The STEAM for Social Change program is facilitated as an after-school program by DIVAS for Social Justice. The program is targeting middle school youth to use technology towards social change and actualize a social action project through a community theme. The STEAM for Social Change Program at the Linden School is exploring the theme of economic development in their community. Through STEAM based activities the students are creating the following:
- Participants in the after-school program have created a community quilt representing the kinds of jobs community members have in Laurelton. The quilt will be mounted at the Linden SDA School but the hope is for it to be featured at different sites in Laurelton.
- Through digital media and animation participants are creating public service announcements and animations that are driven towards economic development.
- In partnership with RPGA Studio , DIVAS for Social Justice , students of the Linden SDA School and the greater Laurelton community will embark on our second mural project. The mural will also reflect the importance of economic development and will highlight the connection of the dollar van system with economic growth in Southeast Queens.
Students engage in a stencil design painting exercise with RPGA Studio in preparation for our future mural. The STEAM for Social Change Program at the Linden SDA School is making tremendous strides under the leadership of Cynthia Bernadine,Director of Programming. The progress of the program can be viewed at DIVAS for Social Justice’s after-school programming website at:Â http://www.steamforsocialchange.org/home/linden-sda/
