At The Carver, education is more than a means to an end—it is an experience that ignites curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning. This philosophy is at the heart of our approach to STEAM education, where we integrate the arts into our traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) afterschool and summer programs to create a more holistic and enriching educational experience for our students.
Incorporating the arts into our programming is a crucial element that allows our students to reach their full potential. The “A” in STEAM represents various disciplines, including liberal arts, language arts, social studies, physical arts, fine arts, and music—and in the case of this blog post, dance!
By weaving these subjects into the fabric of our STEM curriculum, we allow our students to explore and express their creativity, develop critical thinking skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
We enthusiastically appreciate the work of national leaders in this area, such as Turnaround Arts, a national program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Founded in 2011 by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities under the leadership of former First Lady Michelle Obama, Turnaround Arts is based on the belief that high-quality and integrated arts education can play a significant role in transforming schools, improving academic achievement, and increasing student engagement, particularly in schools facing some of the toughest educational challenges.
Turnaround Arts operates in 60 schools nationwide, including in Bridgeport, where Carver serves students and families in five schools: the Classical Studies Magnet Academy during the school year and the Geraldine Clayton Magnet Academy, Waltersville School, Interdistrict Discovery Magnet, and Cesar Batalla School in the summer.
We are inspired by the videos displayed here created in partnership with the always joyful Playing for Change, which showcase Turnaround Arts students performing alongside leading creative professionals. These professionals partner with Turnaround Arts schools over the length of the program, working directly with students and teachers, engaging parents and the school community, and highlighting the positive impact of the arts on their school’s transformation.
Playing for Change and Turnaround Arts are incredible nonprofit initiatives that deserve widespread recognition. At Carver, we echo the sentiment that while STEM is crucial for technological advancement, the arts are equally essential for students to achieve their fullest potential. The arts enable students to harness the capabilities of STEM subjects, apply creative thinking to STEM projects, and foster a learning environment where imagination and innovation thrive.
Our STEAM programs encourage students to explore where art naturally fits into STEM subjects. This enhances their learning experience and contributes to developing vital skills such as collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills are foundational for academic success and necessary for a successful career in any field.
Carver is proud to be a leader in helping students gain exposure to hands-on learning, challenging them to think critically and creatively, and providing them with opportunities to apply essential content knowledge in meaningful ways. By integrating the arts into our afterschool and summer programming, we are not just educating students—we are empowering them to become innovative thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and well-rounded individuals who are prepared to succeed in their paths.
Together with like-minded organizations and initiatives, we will continue to advocate for the importance of the arts in education and work tirelessly to ensure that all students can experience the transformative power of STEAM.