How STEAM students continued their academic progress in the summer

For many students, the summer break is a recess from their academic journey, in which they can relax and focus on having fun and other endeavors. However, these Mount Vernon STEAM scholars chose to focus on pursuits that were both fun and educational for their futures.

Leonard Oduro is an eleventh-grade STEAM scholar who spent his summer staying involved in his academics. He was chosen to participate in the Lehman College Summer Program by his guidance counselors and teachers, a special opportunity given to students who would like to gain college experience. Leonard spent his summer participating in the English Language Arts Composition class that focused on writing techniques and skills, essays, and learning how to interact with English at the collegiate level. 

Leonard was accepted into the Mount Vernon Star Scholars which awarded him a $4,000 scholarship and provided a mentor to help with his college admissions process over his junior year. He will be using the valuable skills he learned through the program to write a book in the future. 

“It showed me what college would be like,” said Leonard. “I feel prepared and good for the future”

Leonard also spent his time manning the Mount Vernon Public Library Creative Writing Program, a community service program created by himself and another STEAM scholar in an attempt to generate community service hours whilst helping other students. This program focused on helping elementary school kids create their own stories and beat the summer slide, focusing on writing and reading skills. 

Isaac Alvarado, 12th-grade student at STEAM, participated in several activities over the summer. Being a creative and entrepreneurial person by nature, Isaac started his own business in art, creating t-shirt designs and commissions for sweaters and hoodies. He also took part in the Lehman College program in which he took English Composition 101 with his friends. He says that his experience in the program was interesting and very rigorous. The professor was unlike the ones he’s had before, really highlighting the college experience. 

“It helped me mainly with writing skills,” said Isaac. “The professor taught us lots of writing techniques and mistakes that are common in high school. He taught us how stuff should be written, how everything should make sense, and how you should apply logic to every part of your writing and be concise.”

Chante’ Lodge is a 12th grader who volunteered at the MVPL Creative Writing Program alongside Leonard, helping children learn the basics of writing including creating characters, plots and techniques. She helped create engaging lesson plans for students to enjoy. The top skill she learned from teaching over the summer is patience, and she has a new-found enjoyment in working with children. 

“At first I was nervous,” said Chante’, recounting her time as a teacher over the summer. “But as it continued, it was very fun being able to be around kids and talk to them and relive my childhood.” 

Ronasia Jones, an 11th grader at STEAM, spent her summer getting valuable real-life experience exploring careers in our justice system as an attorney. Through the PACE University Law Program, Ronasia was taught about different court cases, met different practicing lawyers, and learned about the day-to-day life of a lawyer and the steps it takes for them to get there. She even shadowed lawyers in court. This program was valuable for Ronasia because it gave her insight into her future as she chooses between law and medicine as her career path in college. 

Ronasia also spent time with her teammates preparing for a successful volleyball season. She highlighted the importance of teamwork and being able to work toward a common goal with a group of friends. 

“This program helped me with social media,” said Ronasia, recounting one of the many lessons the program taught her. “They always talked about watching what you post because it always can be used against you, and it's never deleted. Although I never post bad stuff, some things can be taken the wrong way, and the image you set for yourself will be seen by colleges.”

There are many opportunities for students to stay academically engaged over their summer breaks, and these STEAM scholars took advantage of them. Whether that is getting hands-on experience in a professional program, gaining college credit and learning valuable ELA skills, or doing community service and giving back, there is always something for a student to get involved with.