The Positive Schools Center Next Generation Scholars Program (NextGen) started as a small after-school STEM program in West Baltimore in 2018. With a cohort of 30 students – 7th and 8th graders at that time – the goal was to engage them in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and social-emotional focused programming. Turns out, as we followed this group as they matriculated to high schools around Baltimore City, their interests grew with them! We now have students interested in not only STEM fields, but also writing, law, and entrepreneurship (to just name a few!)
Our NextGen Scholars are starting 10th and 11th grade this fall. We are planning a robust schedule to encourage exploration in the many career possibilities in their futures, continuing a social-emotional support (especially as they are virtually attending school this fall), and introducing a new social justice focus to the program.
How to support NextGen Scholars:
Part of our curriculum includes getting feet on the ground when it comes to exploring college choice! Unfortunately, this spring happened, and we were unable to attend any in-person college visits in 2020. It’s been a hard year for students, and we don’t want them to lose that excitement for the future. We’re asking for your help to keep the inspiration coming!
1) School Supplies – School begins September 8th for Baltimore City! Students will be starting the year remotely, which means less access to necessary supplies. Please donate new:
- Notebooks
- Pens
- Pencils
- Binders
- Markers, colored pencils, crayons
- Highlighters
- Folders
- Earbuds, headphones (makes concentrating in classes easier)
- Other things we may have forgotten!
2) College Swag – We want to get students excited again about exploring college opportunities and are looking for branded items for them to wear proudly. We are looking for University paraphernalia such as:
- Water bottles, mugs
- Lanyards
- Apparel
- Notebooks, pens, pencils
- Stuffed animals
- Stickers
- Hats
- Masks
- Totes, bags, etc.
If you are interested or able to make a donation, please email [email protected] to schedule a drop-off. Thank you for your time and service to our Scholars during these challenging circumstances. If you’re interested in additional partnership, please email [email protected].
