Cultures of Innovation: Intersection of Social Studies and STEAM in East Africa, Summer of 2023
The contents of this project were developed under a grant from the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA), U.S. Department of Education. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
The Project
The purpose of the project is to strengthen African Studies in American schools. The project provides educators an opportunity to travel to Kenya to acquire first-hand knowledge, experience and resource materials for curriculum development that can be used to enrich African area studies teaching. The project investigates the intersections of Social Studies and Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.
Participants will also invest over 20 hours of learning Swahili, one of the 10 most widely spoken languages in the world and visit a range of institutions and sites of relevance showcasing the themes. These opportunities will provide a wide range of experiences to explore our connective educational landscape, develop area knowledge, practical skills and informed perspectives that they can use to develop innovative curricula and share with students and fellow educators when they return to their classrooms in the United States.
The cross-disciplinary collaboration will thrive thanks to our savvy local facilitators, many of whom are expert educators and community advocates for inclusion, gender equity, and sustainable grassroots solutions. This innovative, grassroots approach to curriculum that is locally grounded, sustainable, and culturally responsive will provide an excellent way for participants to identify the dynamic convergences of STEAM as it happens locally and globally.
Schedule
The tour will run for a total of 4 and a half weeks tentatively set for July 9-August 9, 2023. The tour will be preceded by 3 preparatory workshops conducted by the University of Pittsburgh where participants will be acquainted with the project leaders and begin learning about the culture in Kenya and brainstorming their curriculum projects. There will also be a Curriculum Finishing Workshop after the tour to finish up last touches to the curriculum units. All participants will also be required to share their curriculum projects at the local and state levels through conferences and workshops in the coming year.
Eligibility Requirements
A citizen, national, or permanent resident of the USA
Currently employed full-time in a U.S. school system, institution of higher education, Local Education Agency, or State Education Agency or a graduate student who is a prospective teacher.
Cost of the Program
Most costs including airfare, local travel, hotel rooms, meals, and even bringing home cultural artifacts for your classroom will be covered under the Fulbright Hays grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Each participant will only pay a modest fee of $1000 to offset domestic expenses and other charges not covered by the federal grant. Participants will also be responsible for the cost of securing personal travel and health documents (passports and inoculations).
Act 48 Credit
Following the tour, completion of the curriculum project and upon payment of tuition fees Act 48 credit will also be awarded.
How to Apply
Applications are now closed