The Why Project: A West Philly Summer Camp Reimagines Education
Philadelphia, PA (July ?, ): Forget swimming and crafts, a new breed of summer camp is making waves in West Philadelphia. The Why Project, a digital recreation center located off 52nd Street, is ditching the traditional summer camp model to immerse local youth in the exciting worlds of science, math, and technology. No more popsicle-stick cabins and awkward camp singalongs – these kids are building the future.
Bridging the Gap with Innovation
Founded by -year-old Justin Hill, a recent Columbia University graduate and incoming Temple Law student, The Why Project aims to bridge the gap between traditional education and real-world professional opportunities. You know, the kind of stuff they don’t teach you in school, but totally should. The program, designed for students entering sixth through twelfth grade, offers hands-on learning experiences that go beyond textbooks and lectures. Think less “What’s the Pythagorean theorem?” and more “Let’s build a robot that can solve it for us.”
From Media Production to Music, The Future is Now
Action News visited The Why Project and witnessed firsthand the program’s unique approach. Teens like Khalid Porter-Serious are currently delving into the intricacies of media production and music creation, gaining valuable skills for potential future careers. “It’s lit,” Khalid shared, headphones around his neck, clearly feeling himself after laying down a dope beat in the camp’s state-of-the-art recording studio. A dedicated grant program even provides paid opportunities for teens like Khalid to learn and mentor younger participants, because who better to teach the next generation of tech whizzes than those already fluent in the language of memes and TikTok trends?
The Why Project: A West Philly Summer Camp Reimagines Education
Philadelphia, PA (July ?, 2024): Forget swimming and crafts, a new breed of summer camp is making waves in West Philadelphia. The Why Project, a digital recreation center located off 52nd Street, is ditching the traditional summer camp model to immerse local youth in the exciting worlds of science, math, and technology. No more popsicle-stick cabins and awkward camp singalongs – these kids are building the future.
Bridging the Gap with Innovation
Founded by 25-year-old Justin Hill, a recent Columbia University graduate and incoming Temple Law student, The Why Project aims to bridge the gap between traditional education and real-world professional opportunities. You know, the kind of stuff they don’t teach you in school, but totally should. The program, designed for students entering sixth through twelfth grade, offers hands-on learning experiences that go beyond textbooks and lectures. Think less “What’s the Pythagorean theorem?” and more “Let’s build a robot that can solve it for us.”
From Media Production to Music, The Future is Now
Action News visited The Why Project and witnessed firsthand the program’s unique approach. Teens like Khalid Porter-Serious are currently delving into the intricacies of media production and music creation, gaining valuable skills for potential future careers. “It’s lit,” Khalid shared, headphones around his neck, clearly feeling himself after laying down a dope beat in the camp’s state-of-the-art recording studio. A dedicated grant program even provides paid opportunities for teens like Khalid to learn and mentor younger participants, because who better to teach the next generation of tech whizzes than those already fluent in the language of memes and TikTok trends?
More Than Just Tech – Fostering Belonging and Confidence
For Khalid, The Why Project offers more than just technical skills. “I’m glad I did this not for the money but for college applications, future references, future jobs; it’s just a fun thing to do and the people I’m working with, I hope these bonds last outside of here,” he shared.
This sentiment highlights a key aspect of The Why Project’s mission: fostering a sense of belonging and building confidence in young people. By blending technical learning with cultural relevance, the program empowers participants to envision themselves as active contributors to the ever-evolving technological landscape. It’s about more than just code; it’s about community, creativity, and finding your tribe.
Leveling Up with Real-World Skills
The Why Project’s curriculum is carefully curated to equip students with in-demand skills, setting them up for success in a rapidly changing job market. From coding and robotics to graphic design and digital marketing, these kids are gaining a serious edge. “We want to make sure our students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow, not yesterday,” Hill explains. And it’s not just about landing a job – it’s about creating opportunities, innovating, and maybe even launching the next big tech startup right here in West Philly.
Building a Brighter Future, One Line of Code at a Time
With its innovative approach to education and commitment to empowering youth, The Why Project is poised to become a vital resource for the West Philadelphia community. As Hill prepares to embark on his law school journey, his creation stands as a testament to the power of investing in the next generation and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. “This is just the beginning,” Hill says with a smile. “We’re not just building a summer camp, we’re building a movement.” And judging by the enthusiasm and talent radiating from these young minds, the future looks bright indeed.