Inspiring Youth:
The Forward Project
STEAM Program
- Client: National Action Network
- Year: 2020 - Current
- Role: Architect
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- Education Modules
- Networking
- Employment Training
- College Prep Courses
- Engaging Events
- Mentoring
The Forward Project is a STEAM education initiative for teens in Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC. Designed in 2020. It’s funded by Verizon and supported by National Action Network & Fmr. MD Senator, Larry Young. We envision an 82% growth in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math engagement programs along the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our mission is to develop a firm STEAM education to employment pipeline, creating career opportunities for area youth and their families.
The Chesepeke Corridor Will Become the STEAM Capital of the East Coast
How we're empowering the vision
Our campaign is based on society, community, and education research that analyzes the STEAM success of Seattle, Washington. We’ve discovered that Seattle has added over 20,000 STEAM-based jobs since 2014. Success in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math has become their identity. Major corporations such as Amazon, Apple, and Boeing operate from Seattle, elevating their local society and creating countless opportunities for their youth. We envision the same for the Chesapeake Corridor. We’ve developed a campaign that charts the course. (Thorne, 2019)
A research-based approach that merges education with entertainment
Exciting teens about STEAM success and service
Young minds thrive on engaging innovation. Our research highlights the unprecedented challenges today’s children face with constant distractions. To bridge this gap, we are dedicated to creating and advocating for educational programs that merge learning with entertainment. Our approach involves enlisting contemporary artists and celebrities to champion STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) success. We envision dynamic, large-scale events that bring students together, boost their confidence, and leave them with a taste of achievement. Our animated approach is both daring and innovative, representing a significant step toward closing the digital divide.
This is a project for the entire village
A community campaign with lasting impact
Youth are not just the future; they are the force driving change in the present. The Forward Project is committed to creating opportunities that empower our community today, ensuring a brighter tomorrow. Our primary objective is to establish a 10-year education-to-employment pipeline, with a strong focus on careers within the Chesapeake Corridor. Currently, 1 in 4 jobs in Baltimore is in the STEAM field, and our projections suggest even more opportunities will emerge in the region. Our mission is to equip our youth for these roles, enabling them and their families to thrive.
Production Notes
- Current: In Flight
- Project Lead: Brian James
The Forward Project, authored by Brian James and produced by The CTZNS, was awarded a grant from Verizon in 2020 as part of the ‘Bridging the Digital Divide’ campaign in collaboration with the Maryland Chapter of National Action Network. Currently, we’re seeking additional funding to expand our operations into Washington, DC. We are excited to create events and programs that empower students to achieve success in STEAM fields. If you’re interested, please reach out to us at ctzns@thectzns.com.