With Franklin Cummings Tech, STEAM the Streets will develop culturally relevant media and curated learning resources to support a diverse offshore wind pipeline in Massachusetts.
Media Contact:
Ben Gilbarg
Steamthestreets@gmail.com
October 1, 2023 – Massachusetts is poised to become a national leader in offshore wind development. With the new jobs available with upcoming offshore wind projects, there is an opportunity to ensure that the workforce is diverse, inclusive and that every individual has an opportunity to pursue a career in the rapidly growing industry.
STEAM the Streets, a nonprofit organization that has been translating opportunities to underrepresented youth through engaging and culturally relevant media since 2016, has received an Offshore Wind Works grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to develop multimedia storytelling and educational content to inspire a new and diverse offshore wind workforce.
With the funding, STEAM the Streets will develop educational videos, content, and performances to inspire underrepresented students to pursue a career in offshore wind and educate them about opportunities in the industry. The content will be made available to educational institutions as a curriculum resource, and will be free to access through the STEAM the Streets App.
“As a New Bedford resident, I have seen the importance and power of information. Offshore wind careers are growing in Massachusetts, but our young people don’t know what opportunities exist, what skills they need, or how they can play a part in the growing industry.” says Angel Diaz, Co-Founder of STEAM Streets, “Showing and informing our future workforce what opportunities exist is key to creating a level playing field for all youth. This helps to secure a more equitable economic development in our state. Youth need to see themselves in this new economy in order to be a part of it. “
The Franklin Cummings Tech is partnering with STEAM the Streets to develop and curate the educational materials, and will integrate the content and media into their curriculum and programming, which provides technical and trade education for students.
“As a minority-serving institution delivering transformative education that leads to economic advancement, we know there is tremendous opportunity in the renewable energy and offshore wind sector for our highly trained, diverse graduates,” said Dr. Aisha Francis, president & CEO of Franklin Cummings Tech. “The educational materials created by STEAM the Streets will help our students realize the possibilities available if they pursue the well-paying jobs and fulfilling careers in the rapidly growing offshore wind industry.”
Visit our app page to learn more and download the educator toolkit.
ABOUT STEAM THE STREETS
STEAM the Streets is an organization with a mission to inspire and activate underrepresented youth to pursue in-demand careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math).