Members of the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck (BGCNN) are being fueled by a new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) curriculum thanks to a partnership with the Youth Technology Network (YTN).

Bobby Blackwell, Director of YTN, provides six STEAM education sessions each week to members of BGCNN.

“This initiative is powered by the 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) grant which offers academic enrichment during non-school hours for children. BGCNN members have strengthened their skills with STEAM lessons designed and proven to boost their success on Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments,” said Blackwell.

Blackwell partners with Pastor David ‘Moe’ Moses, CEO of 12 Strings Audio/ Video Network, LLC, to ignite young minds with STEAM education. Moe facilitates a career-readiness program at BGCNN called BOSS: Bravery & Balance, Ownership & Accountability, Service & Solutions, and Synergy & Stewardship. Together, these educational programs are raising the bar for local youth.

Here’s a fun fact about the Youth Technology Network (YTN): they also operate a mobile lab known as the “STEAM Engine,” a 34-foot renovated RV transformed into a high-tech classroom that can serve up to 20 students at a time. It is equipped with a 3D printer, hands on STEAM activities, computer-based activities, high-performance WI-FI and Bluetooth connectivity, and a power generator. The STEAM Engine travels to youth across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., as well as here in the Northern Neck.

Blackwell reported that classes take place in a variety of community-centered locations like the Boys & Girls Club Clubhouses. In Richmond County, sessions were held at Richmond Elementary and Middle School and have since moved to Community Church in Warsaw. In Lancaster County, classes are conducted at Lancaster Elementary School on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Northumberland County students meet at Macedonia Baptist Church in Heathsville on Mondays and Thursdays, while Westmoreland County sessions are held monthly at the former Washington & Lee High School facility.

According to Blackwell, STEAM activities include How Greasy Are Your Potato Chips, Chemistry of Ice-Cream Making, Does Color Affect Taste, How to Balance Anything, Robot Make Me a Sandwich, 3D Print with Icing: No 3D printer Required, How Do You Make the “Best” Cookie, and Build a Simple Walking Robot.

This partnership has opened doors for BGCNN youth, granting them access to high-quality education programs. By combining YTN’s STEAM education and BGCNN’s BOSS program, this initiative is igniting great futures in the Northern Neck.

Photo: BGCNN