GiveShade

#GiveShade, a service learning and community outreach project, is powered middle school students. The students sell sunglasses and other swag to raise money for non-profit organizations that provide support and refuge to homeless citizens.

#GiveShade places students at the center of driving an awareness of homelessness, by using the principles of Technology, Engineering, Art, Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts to reinforce the importance of good citizenship. The project is a schoolwide initiative, with cross-curricula lessons and activities taking place across six different classes. The lessons include video production, communication and presentation, 3D printing, scalable art design, and app development.

David Thompson, Principal of the STEAMM Academy, adds that #GiveShade “... has given students the opportunity to find their genius through creativity, innovativeness, and entrepreneurial skills.”.

At the core of #GiveShade is heightening the students’ ability to empathize with others and their situations. While it is difficult to teach empathy, having exposure to the challenges that people face gives students a different set of lens through which to look at life. #GiveShade aims to empower the youth to become advocates and social change-agents for their entire community.