The global pandemic widened the education achievement gap for under-resourced students, but work to narrow that gulf continues. One organization, GENESIS STEAM, is aiming to prepare kids from under-resourced communities for the 21st century workforce.
Founded in 2013, GENESIS is a hands-on, art museum-based science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) education platform focused on inspiring and fostering critical 21st century skills in underserved communities. It offers a variety of STEAM programs to bring K-12 youth to its state-of-the-art innovation labs, designed from the ground up in art museums across the country. In addition to reactivating in-person programming at the Marciano Art Foundation (MAF) in L.A. — which houses the 15,000 square-foot GENESIS flagship innovation lab and art exhibition space — the organization also offers virtual programming through its virtual innovation campus.
To increase in-person access, Managing Director Daniella Simon says GENESIS is offering its gateway programming at the flagship innovation lab at no cost to schools, and is open to any school or district in the Los Angeles area. Some of the program offerings include:
- Gateway field trips: Field trips consist of three-hour interactive gallery tours at MAF, followed by a hands-on Innovation Lab visit (limited scholarship transportation available for Title 1 schools).
- Customized Innovator Enrichment Program: Offered to schools and after-school partners, this program includes full curriculum, materials, professional development and event showcase opportunities.
- VR design camps: These camps are available during spring and summer school holidays.
- Customized professional development: This training familiarizes educators with cutting-edge technology and design practices to align with Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core curriculum.
GENESIS STEAM students immerse themselves in an art exhibit. PHOTO COURTESY GENESIS
To learn more, visit the GENESIS website or the link to its virtual innovation campus.
