With the monthlong celebration of Harlem Week fast approaching, the concentration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and technology initiatives will be an effective group of events that caters to kids and adults.
Many may wonder why put such a focus on technology during Harlem Week. Technology is a large subject, and many young students tend to stay away from trying to build careers in the field. A number of events during Harlem Week will challenge students in a fun, exciting way to intrigue their minds and denounce stereotypes about how studying technology is boring or too difficult.
Marco Noble, from the Harlem Chamber of Commerce, had fruitful information about the events coming soon.
“We looked at the growing importance of STEM curriculums in schools from elementary through college. We can take a lead role in really providing something different,” Noble said. “We originally wanted to do a one-event thing, then it grew because we want to really make a difference. We talked about a digital divide and the importance of making sure we bridge that divide because it can be a form of segregation. If we aren’t on top of it, we can be left out quickly in terms of jobs in tech that make a lot of money that we just do not know about. That is where the STEAM initiative came from.”
The initiative will get its first chance at stimulating the minds of the public this week. The “Tech Pavilion on Emerging Technology” event being, held Sunday, July 26, aimed to create excitement for teenagers as they received hands-on robotic demonstrations and the opportunity to view different exhibits that showcase STEAM.
Senior citizens will also have a chance to learn, as the “Demystifying Technology for Our Seniors’ event will be aimed at adults 55 years of age and older. Many of our senior citizens are not technology savvy, and some don’t even know the basics of starting up a computer. This event will be very helpful, as they will leave more informed and educated on the field of technology.
The “Youth Technology Conference and Expo” is another event for youth aged 16 to 21. This event is important because it aims to focus on careers in technology and will give students a better understanding of what subfields of technology to pursue as careers in the future.
Noble gave more insight into the youth conference and what exactly can be expected from a “Hack-A-Thon” event.
“A Hack-A-Thon will be a group of young people who will essentially have to create an app for whatever subject they receive,” Noble said. “They will present that in the end and the winner will win prizes. The idea is to stimulate people into how can you use tech to help solve different issues. We want to get them into the mindset of using technology to solve different problems and get them to understand there is an entrepreneur aspect to this as well. Many millionaires and billionaires have tech backgrounds.”
Silicon Harlem will host their business conference, which will delve deep into technology and specifically the new and diverse initiatives in Harlem. Many within the community at large can see technological changes but don’t know what the mission actually is. Those present will have a greater understanding of the future of Harlem technology.
The final event, which is aimed at younger students in school, is perhaps the most important event in terms of seeing results down the line for students getting their higher education and beginning careers in technology. The focus of the event will be on children’s technology proficiency and stimulating their interests to make STEAM a fun challenge.
The technology initiatives during Harlem Week give adults and students a great opportunity to learn more about STEAM and be highly beneficial for those who choose to be present.