Malcolm Jenkins Foundation Expands Partnership with Drexel for Young Dragons Summer STEAM Camp

The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation is expanding its partnership with Drexel University’s Expressive and Creative Interaction Technologies (ExCITe) Center and Lindy Center for Civic Engagement  to offer a summer camp for local students to learn, experiment and experience the interplay between science, technology, engineering, arts, athletics and mathematics (STEAM).

Initially piloted with the ExCITe Center in 2016, Summer STEAM offers middle school students living near Drexel’s campus the opportunity to participate in unique arts-science learning activities. Starting in 2017, the Young Dragons program merged the Summer STEAM curriculum with the established literacy and enrichment programs of the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement for a free six-week camp. The day camp, which is open to students entering fifth through eighth grades, will be held at Drexel this summer.

“The goal of this innovative program is to engage, educate and inspire students, regardless of their background or financial resources, to explore cutting-edge science, technology, engineering, arts, athletics, and mathematics — STEAM — in a creative and exciting format,” said Youngmoo Kim, PhD, director of the ExCITe Center.

As part of the six-week camp, students in Young Dragons will explore music technology (acoustics and sound synthesis), visual arts (geometry and drawing/painting), computer game design and coding, dance (biology and movement) and athletics (sports science and technology). New modules will illustrate the basics of engineering behind the design of sneakers and building music-playing robots.

The Young Dragons program has been designed specifically to meet the needs of children living in close proximity to Drexel. This two-square-mile is a federally designated Promise Zone due to challenges it faces associated with persistent poverty.

“The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation is thrilled to be part of this unique collaboration which is having a tremendous impact on Philadelphia youth,” said Malcolm Jenkins, Eagles safety and the founder and chairman of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation.

Young Dragons is an extension of the educational programs currently offered by the Foundation, including Project R.E.W.A.R.D.S., a life skills curriculum and The Malcolm Jenkins Scholars.

Young Dragons students will participate in a special Open House event on June 18th. Campers will have the opportunity to meet Malcolm Jenkins and participate in a preview of upcoming STEAM activities.

About The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation

Founded in 2010, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity with a mission to effectuate positive change in the lives of youth, particularly those in underserved communities; by providing resources, innovative opportunities and experiences that will help them succeed in life and become contributing members of their community. The Foundation is committed to youth development initiatives and programs, which emphasize character development, leadership, education, life skills health and recreation. With a presence in New Jersey, Louisiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, the Foundation’s work is guided by the principles of Project REWARDS: Reinforcing Education with Activities, Recreation, & Developmental Supports. For more information visit: http://www.themalcolmjenkinsfoundation.org/     

About the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement

Drexel’s vision of a comprehensive and progressive urban university striving to be the most civically engaged in the nation comes to life through the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement. The Lindy Center for Civic Engagement is housed within the Office of University and Community Partnerships at Drexel University. In collaboration with the community, and in support of Drexel’s strategic plan, the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement furthers the public good on the local and national levels while enriching the scholarship and character of Drexel students.  The Lindy Center works with more than 75 community partners on 200-plus civic engagement projects annually. The Center’s personnel also lead several student leadership programs, and support community-based learning through course development and faculty research projects. For more information visit: http://drexel.edu/lindycenter/ 

About the ExCITe Center

The Expressive and Creative Interaction Technologies (ExCITe) Center of Drexel University is a unique research institute that explores the intersection of technology, design, and entrepreneurship. The Center brings together faculty and students from across the University to enable new opportunities for discovery, disruption, and innovation through collaboration, while fostering creativity, curiosity, and personal expression. ExCITe is known for its novel projects combining disciplines, such as smart “functional” fabrics, videogame displays on skyscrapers, performances with augmented musical instruments, and STEAM education efforts, which further the Center’s mission to inspire transdisciplinary research and discovery connecting technology and communities. For more information visit: http://drexel.edu/excite