STEAM Talks: Drew Charter School Visits

On Wednesday we miraculously fit 28 educators from the Drew Charter School into our tiny Capitol Hill Studio. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, the group of educators were in town for the National Arts and Education Association Convention (NAEA). Drew Charter School is one of many schools taking the initiative to integrate STEAM or, science, technology, engineering, arts and math, into the curriculum through project-based learning.

Now more than ever, it is so important to lift up the next generation and inspire them to do things that previous generations couldn't.

Initially, when asked to host a discussion about my work, I was unsure how a shibori leather artist would fit into a conversation about STEAM. As a woman, immigrant, artist, and business owner, however, I sometimes forget how rare that combination is. Growing up in Florida in the 80’s, I remember showing an interest in math at an early age. When expressing this interest I was discourage and "re-directed."

As awareness around S.T.E.A.M. grows, I am hopeful that we can reshape the curriculum culture and encourage our youth to adapt to a changing industry while closing the gender gap in technology.

Learn more about the efforts that Drew Charter School is taking to incorporate S.T.E.A.M. here: http://www.drewcharterschool.org/steam