Community Enrichment: Youth

This class is an exciting journey into the world of personality psychology, perfect for curious minds! Students will explore fascinating theories about what shapes our personalities and meet the brilliant thinkers behind them. They’ll also get the chance to create their own personality theories and analyze real-world examples, making the learning both fun and practical. For parents, this class offers a unique opportunity to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and self-awareness in your child, all while sparking a love for psychology and understanding people better.

Perfect for students in grades 5-8. 

Everyone is welcome in this class, where every student has a place to connect, learn, and grow! We celebrate the importance of food in shaping cultures and identities around the world. Through virtual 'travel,' students will embark on a delicious adventure to discover new and familiar foods and snacks from various countries and cultures.

Each session introduces a specific culture through fun and interactive activities like traditional games, music, and art. Kids will be encouraged to share their experiences, from whether they've tried a dish before to how it connects to what’s served at home. Together, we’ll prepare the food as a class or source it locally, and then taste it in a guided, fun environment.

Parents can look forward to a program that nurtures cultural curiosity, openness, and respect, while giving children a space to explore their senses, broaden their palates, and engage in thoughtful discussions about the world’s incredible diversity. 

Perfect for students in grades 5-8. 

Pokémon is the highest-grossing media franchise in history, beloved by fans of all ages worldwide. This dynamic course dives into the fascinating world of Pokémon through a variety of subjects, including art, history, science, math, literature, and more!

Students will engage in hands-on, creative activities such as designing their own Pokémon characters, delving into the science of evolution through Pokémon species, and learning the real-world economics behind Pokémon card grading. They’ll also explore how technology has evolved alongside the Pokémon franchise, sparking curiosity about innovation and progress.

For parents, this course provides a unique opportunity for kids to learn valuable skills like critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, all while exploring a topic they’re passionate about. Whether they’re longtime fans or just starting their Pokémon journey, this class is sure to inspire, educate, and entertain!

Perfect for students in grades 3-6

Aimed at supporting students in relevant grade-level SOL content, participants will be invited to engage in a variety of hands-on activities and explorations that integrate the areas of math, science, and social studies. Students can look forward to partnering with pre-service elementary education majors and their professors while exploring scientific concepts (plants, animals, ecosystems), engaging in math games and puzzles, and participating in activities with a focus on social responsibility - all with the goal of making learning FUN! 

Perfect for students in grades 1-3

Join us for an exciting musical adventure where you get to explore how beat-based music, like hip hop and house, came to life and how YOU can create your own amazing beats!

On Day 1, we'll start by learning about hip hop, an easy-to-make genre that was born out of creativity and determination by people who used music to express their stories, even when life was tough. We'll also talk about house music on Day 2, and dive into its fun history and how it allowed musicians to make music in their own homes without needing a big band.

Then, it’s time to get hands-on! You’ll spend time making your own beats using BandLab, a super cool online music tool. We'll explore how to mix sounds, add drum sequences, play with tempo, and learn how to shape your beats with effects. You'll even get to practice making 5-10 beats each day, so by the end, you'll be a pro at the basics of music production!

On Day 3, we'll kick it up a notch and start adding instruments to your beats. We'll show you how music can tell stories and be a powerful way to express yourself. Don’t worry if you’re new to music theory—we’ll keep it fun and easy, and help you understand how to make your beats come to life with simple tips and tricks.

This is a great chance to explore music in a creative and fun way while learning some cool skills! Get ready to make some awesome tunes and express your own story through sound.

Perfect for students in grades 3-8