Lights On Afterschool, a national initiative to highlight the importance of quality after school programs, was celebrated Thursday, October 20, 2016 hosted by 21st Century Community Learning Centers’ S.T.E.A.M. Program Manager, Terrell Sample for Dorchester County Public Schools. Participating schools opened their doors to families and the public to highlight S.T.E.A.M.’s community partners and showcase extended day learning opportunities available to students. This year’s theme was “Making the World Awesome.”

S.T.E.A.M. was delighted to welcome Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes from District 37-A at Maple Elementary School to share inspiration and issue a proclamation marking the event to 21st CCLC Program Manager, Terrell Sample and Dr. Jodi Colman, Principal of Maple Elementary School. Additional words of encouragement were shared by Cambridge Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley. Both officials challenged students to optimize the opportunities offered by S.T.E.A.M. to create the best possible future as they contribute to making the world awesome.

S.T.E.AM. students participated in various activities including a demonstration of Shaolin Kempo Karate by Sensei Kevin Warner as well as a visit from Ummu Bradley-Thomas, owner of Freddie Bell Jones, Inc. Modelling and Finishing School. Students at other participating schools also greeted other community partners and visitors with engaging activities.

Sandy Hill Elementary and Hurlock Elementary Schools hosted 4-H community partners Navonne Owen and Ashley Brown worked on STEM lessons from their Asploration curricula. Choptank Elementary School students experimented with circuitry and highlighted their arts component with routines from their Steppers group. This was a great kick-off celebration as they  pursue their  quest to “making the world awesome.”

S.T.E.A.M., in conjunction with its community partners, offers high quality after school programs in four Dorchester County Public Schools. S.T.E.A.M. is staffed by certificated teachers and educational specialist who assist with homework and 21st century project based activities that make learning exciting. For more information about the program contact Terrell Sample, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Manager, at samplet@dcpsmd.org.