I believe that when we stop learning, we stop truly living. As Journey to STEAM has grown (over 600 kids participated in our 2024 programs, and we anticipate over 1,000 participants by the end of 2025), we continue to model the same traits we see our kiddos show in our programs. We create, field test, and refine our curriculum constantly. We observe and coach our instructors weekly. We seek feedback from parents, students, and school partners. We act on feedback to improve our programs. We are an organization that is constantly learning and constantly improving. 

For example, in most recent our spring break camps and after-school programs we launched a Demo Day.  Demo Day takes place during the last session of a program. Our project-based approach means that students build on their previous learning with each lesson, and by the end of the program, their group has a final product to present to the class. Our presentation days are always so much fun, and participants beam with pride as they present. One day, we noticed parents waiting outside as we wrapped up a camp. “Should we ask them to come in?” our instructor asked. A few students had already asked if they could wait to clean up so they could show their siblings, parents, and grandparents at pick-up. We obliged. What followed was fantastic to witness. Cell phones whipped out as parents recorded videos and took pictures of their kids’ LEGO robots, which moved in various directions based on the coding inputs. We were surrounded by laughter, hugs, high fives, and enthusiastic praise. This was magic. To bring this magic into our programs, we began revising our curriculum to add Demo Days to as many programs as possible. We are half-way through our revisions and look forward to expanding this joyous experience to more schools and camps. 

We are such a learning community that we learn from learners while they’re learning! We observe programs to see where participants get stuck, where we can infuse more movement, fun, and hands-on learning. We revise our curriculum constantly so that kids get as much rigor, hands-on learning, and FUN as possible. Term-to-term no curriculum looks the same, it evolves. Yes, this is hard work, but we take pride in our programs, and it is truly a labor of love. 

There is something so sacred about being in a learning environment, it’s one of the many reasons some of our fondest memories and closest friendships arise from our time in school. When we are ready to learn, we are ready to blossom and thrive. May we all move throughout life with the mindset of a learner–humble, receptive, eager, curious. 

With Grace and Gratitude,

Dr. Arielle Hammond, EdD