Impact Spotlight: Generation Teach Summer STEAM Academy

Last summer, OLCB supported the Generation Teach STEAM Academy - an AmeriCorps Leadership Residency and Summer Teaching Fellowship. The five-week GT STEAM Academy brought hands-on learning, leadership development, and meaningful community connection to students and educators within Howard County. Held at Deep Run and Laurel Woods Elementary Schools, the program served 225 rising first to fifth graders.

The GT STEAM Academy incorporated a reading intervention program for early learners and integrated culturally responsive Social & Emotional Learning practices into the daily agenda. Ninety-nine percent of families said they would recommend the program, and 100% of Fellows and Team Leaders reported growth in leadership and transferable skills by the end of the summer. These results reflect a strong foundation for future investment in youth development and educational pipelines within our community.

“GT has had a meaningful impact on me, both professionally and personally. It challenged me to grow in confidence and adaptability. The experience strengthened my passion for teaching and reminded me of the power of collaboration and encouragement.” – Teaching Fellow

Engagement in Action:

OLCB Community Engagement Team

Harper’s Choice Back-to-School Event

OLCB's successful collaboration with Harpers Choice Middle School continued this Fall with students, families, community partners, and local organizations working together to start the new school year. The HCMS team welcomed more than 200 attendees from their school community. Our team was on hand to share DCRS resources and LCB programs to connect families and to support student success. The community enjoyed the game truck and snowballs, while receiving information from vendors and community sponsors. It was great to see so many familiar faces and meet new community members who are excited to stay engaged throughout the school year.

Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway

Our annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway was a huge success! With support from our community partners, OLCB distributed over 1200 backpacks filled with school supplies to students and families at four sites across the county. The event helped ensure every child started the school year prepared and confident. A big thank-you to everyone who volunteered and contributed to making the day special. 

If your organization has a community event coming up and would like to request OLCB staff participation or resources, email lcb@howardcountymd.gov or submit an online request form.

The Groundwater Approach - Free Virtual Workshop

December 4, 9 a.m. - noon

Pre-Register

The Groundwater Approach is an engaging and interactive presentation designed to introduce key concepts of equity and inclusion using stories and data to highlight the systemic nature of inequities. Participants will examine contemporary disparities through a structural lens, gaining insights that are both practical and relevant. To participate, sign up via this link, which allows us to hold a space for you in the workshop until the registration is available from REI. REI will provide a Zoom registration link a few days before the workshop, and a confirmation email with information about how to join.

REI Phase I Workshop (two-day)

January 13 & 14, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Free, In-Person at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center

8045 Harriet Tubman Lane Columbia, 21044 | Register

 REI’s Phase I Workshop presents a historical, cultural, structural, and institutional analysis of racism, moving the focus from individual bigotry and bias. The workshop is designed to build the participant’s capacity to identify the root causes of disparity and establish goals and strategies with a profound understanding of how institutions, systems and cultures produce unjust and inequitable outcomes. Participants will gain analytical skills to understand institutional racial disparities, enabling them and their organization to develop a shared understanding and common language to effectively pursue meaningful change. Refreshments and lunch provided; note any dietary restrictions in your registration comments.