PBS Kids is making strides in computer science education with its new series, Lyla In The Loop, which premiered recently. This animated show follows the adventures of Lyla, a 7-year-old Black girl who, with her friends and family, uses critical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate everyday challenges. Encouraging Problem-Solving Through Interactive Storytelling One of the unique elements of Lyla In The Loop is its upcoming interactive episodes. These episodes will allow Lyla to break the fourth wall, directly engaging with the young viewers. Using pre-written responses powered by non-generative
Boston Celtics player Jaylen Brown created a STEM program for middle and high school students in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Through his 7uice Foundation, Brown launched the Bridge Program at MIT’s Media Lab, a four-day camp introducing Boston’s underserved youth to AI, synthetic biology, space exploration, and more. Bridge Program: Hands-On STEM Learning Aimed at students in grades 8–12, the Bridge Program offers a STEAM-based curriculum covering science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Brown co-founded the program in 2021 with his family, and the MIT Media
Yamilée Toussaint, founder of STEM From Dance and an MIT-trained engineer, has been named a CNN Hero for her efforts to bridge the gap between young girls of color and STEM careers. Through her nonprofit, Toussaint combines dance and STEM education to inspire and equip the next generation of innovators, especially those who might not see themselves represented in these fields. “It’s an honor to be selected as a CNN Hero,” Toussaint said. “I’m proud of the work we do to connect girls of color with STEM in a joyful and
Rapper and entrepreneur 2 Chainz has joined PepsiCo to launch “Taste of Tomorrow,” a new initiative aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of Black professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers. Boosting Black representation in STEM Despite STEM fields experiencing rapid growth, Black professionals currently make up just 9% of the workforce. The “Taste of Tomorrow” initiative aims to break down the systemic barriers Black students face in pursuing STEM careers, such as limited access to advanced coursework and public programming. Rapper and entrepreneur 2 Chainz, a HBCU alum,
R&B artist Brent Faiyaz and his business partner Ty Baisden have invested more than $100,000 in Black women-led STEM companies, according to Billboard. Investing Music Profits Into Black Women-Led Businesses Under their Lost Kids label, Faiyaz and Baisden operate a 50/50 business partnership that reinvests profits from Faiyaz’s music career into various ventures. Their primary focus is on Black women-led businesses, particularly in the STEM fields. “Those projects and his tours are the financial seeds for Brent and me to go out and make individual investments,” said Baisden. The duo’s
NASA has awarded $1.2 million to 23 minority-serving institutions (MSIs), including Spelman College, Fayetteville State University, Hampton University, and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. This funding aims to enhance their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), research and technology capabilities while contributing to NASA’s missions. Advancing STEM at Minority-Serving Institutions The awards are part of NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Partnership Learning Annual Notification (MPLAN) initiative. Each selected institution will receive up to $50,000 over six months, allowing them to work directly on STEM projects
South Carolina State University (SC State), the only historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the state, has secured an $8 million allocation from the state. The funding aims to enhance its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) research and workforce development initiatives in partnership with Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). This funding marks a milestone for the university’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Transportation (STEM-T College). A Historic Investment in STEM This $8 million is part of an initial $40 million state proviso designed to support various
Pretty Lux Co, the first Black-owned and woman-owned candle-making studio in Middle Georgia, is igniting a love for science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) through the art of making luxury products. Pretty Lux Co. Pretty Lux Co. was founded in July 2023 by Anikitia Abram to offer candles, skin, and hair products that are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and created with minimal ingredients. Abram told Macon that the idea of Pretty Lux Co. was sparked by a personal journey of seeking solace and understanding during moments of anxiety. This search led
In its fourth grant cycle, the Commemoration Fund has selected 32 grantees funds ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 to help mitigate racial inequalities. The Commemoration Fund, founded in 2020, supports efforts to correct social, political and economic injustices that impact Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and people of color in the community. Their funds address disparities rooted in white supremacy and systemic racism with sustainable, collaborative solutions. “The Commemoration Fund is uniquely situated to stimulate the transformative work necessary to address race-based inequities,” said Hannibal B. Johnson, board chair. “Through our strategic investments,
Tuskegee University recently announced a $20 million donation to enhance its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs and various campus facilities. This gift, bestowed by an anonymous benefactor, marks the second $20 million gift in less than four years. Fostering a Dynamic Campus Community The donation’s generosity will facilitate the creation of faculty leadership positions and scholarships, helping to enhance the academic environment. It will also improve student affairs and campus security staffing, contributing to a safer and more engaging student experience. “This gift will allow us to invest in
