STEAM for Social Change: The Anti-Gun Violence Asset Mapping Project

Abstract

For the past five years, there have been separate but parallel efforts to encourage both civics and STEM development. Historically, there have not been opportunities to support youth of color in social justice work while they are gaining technology skills and developing their leadership skills in their communities. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) for Social Change is an after-school program of DIVAS for Social Justice that combines these two. It is offered in Southeast Queens and Central Brooklyn at Title I schools. DIVAS for Social Justice also challenges the notion that certain topics cannot be taught to younger children (8-11). Instead, there is greater importance on introducing the intersection between STEAM and social justice to ensure the development of critical thinking skills. This article focuses on one of the projects: The Anti-Gun Violence Asset Mapping Project. It demonstrates how students can be supported to engage in a social action project as they leverage STEAM skills to address the issue. DIVAS explores the importance of projects that can allow youth of color to lead a project that leads to conversations, and changes in policy, and instills pride in them.