Smithsonian Institute Collaborates with Virginia Clubhouse for “Gathering STEAM”

Categorized: Video

The Gum Springs Community Center Clubhouse Coordinator Speaks with Smithsonian Coordinator about “Peace Warriors for the Arts” Exhibit and Youth Engagement.

“Gathering STEAM” is an entertaining and innovative approach to providing youth with an inside look at opportunities and career pathways across the spectrum of STEAM education. The series is hosted and produced by Sam Ettaro, Clubhouse Coordinator at The Gum Springs Community Center Clubhouse in Alexandria, VA, USA and one of several Information Technology Educators for Fairfax County’s Neighborhood and Community Services division.

This pilot episode features a discussion about a collaboration between The Clubhouse Network and the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Guest Pier Penic, K-12 Education Specialist for The Smithsonian, talks about the relationship between the two groups and the “Peace Warriors for the Arts” project, inviting involvement from our audience!

About the project, Pier Penic says, “Peace Warriors for the Arts was created specifically for teens like Clubhouse members. Ultimately, the goal is to inspire, motivate, and educate young people on careers within STEAM.” Teens are asked to consider, “how would you represent the many arts and cultures of Africa or create an understanding of peace through the arts?”

Youth who submit projects through their Clubhouse could have their work featured in the Museum of African Art online gallery and all members will receive a certificate of completion.

Learn more about the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art.

This is the pilot episode in a series currently in development. Those who wish to be considered as a guest on future episodes of “Gathering STEAM,” may reach out to Sam Ettaro at samuel.ettaro@fairfaxcounty.gov.