This is the fourth in a series of blog posts focused on how hands-on learning can be made accessible at home. This post is by contributing writer Dion Evans. To date, kits have been distributed to 750 families in Oakland through Oakland Unified School District’s “Grab and Go” food distribution sites, drive-through graduations, and delivered […]
Pandemic Proof: An Interview with After School Educator Meisha Marshall
The advent of COVID-19 has forever altered life as we know it, and the lives and learning of students all across America.
However, it is during times like these that heroes and heroines are born, those willing to serve and support others despite general communal fear. These are the people that sacrifice their own health and safety for the protection and safety of others.
Today’s Maker Education Initiative interview consists of a casual conversation with such a person, Meisha Marshall. Meisha is an advocate for youth in East Oakland needing alternative ways of learning, and she explores cutting-edge ways of ensuring they have access to tools that support their mental and physical health and development. Read more…
Pandemic Proof: The Resilience of Aaliyah Coleman
To understand the power of a positive response to a pandemic, one must first understand an individual’s potential. On Saturday, March 3, 2020, Aaliyah Coleman, 5th-grade East Oakland Student, had just won the Silver Medal at a Youth Track Meet. She competed in the long jump against fourteen other 11- and 12-year-old girls and was one of two who cleared over 13 feet. After her impressive opening meet, she looked forward to competing again the following week, this time for gold. Read more…
Supporting Oakland Youth with Hands-On Learning Through Home Maker Kits
The response to the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in many sudden changes to schools and learning environments across the country, and the Bay Area is no different. Local schools’ capacities have been stretched thin by a rapid switch to distance learning. To continue to support our mission in this new learning environment, Maker Ed has creatively partnered with after school programs in Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) to ensure more students have access to hands-on learning while school buildings are closed. Read on for details about how we approached this project and what we’ve learned so far! Read more…