A new after school learning organization that centers around science, technology, engineering, arts, and music, (S.T.E.A.M.) is coming to Manassas for students in 4th through 12th grades.
Their doors will be opening following their ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday.
This program will be known as The NEW School located at 9830 Liberia Ave, Manassas. The NEW School, Inc. was established in August 2014 as a nonprofit, charitable organization to help students progress throughout their school years and engage them in the programs fundamentals. These fundamentals include Neighborhood Engagement, Education Enhancement, and Workforce Development (NEW).
The majority of activities offered center around S.T.E.A.M., but there will also be homework assistance and SAT preparation courses offered. These two courses are available for college-bound high school students who are in need of guidance through the newly restructured SAT. According to vice president Keeyana Mahoney, the objective of The NEW School is to prepare youth for a plethora of workforce fields through fun, hands-on learning activities.
“We [The NEW School] are excited about serving students as a nonprofit organization,” says Mahoney. “Our value to the community will come as we grow to be a resource for families and children. We will also be able to provide a positive opportunity that wouldn’t otherwise exist for kids who desire to take part in tech programs around them, and at an affordable cost for families.”
The NEW School will showcase its robotics curriculum that focuses on First Lego League and Vex IQ. These courses will be lead by the education coordinator for SPARK, the Education Foundation for Prince William County Public Schools, Denyse Carroll. As lead instructor, Carroll will be instructing students on the design, programming, and teamwork of programs.
The Virginia Student Training and Refurbishment Program, also known as the Virginia STAR, donated desktop and laptop computers to The NEW School. Virginia STAR teaches students to repair leftover computer hardware from government agencies and private companies. These repaired computers are then donated to families and organizations, such as The NEW School.
“Our partnership with Chuck Drake, VA Star State Coordinator, the Virginia STAR students and staff, and Prince William County Schools, has proven to be an invaluable resource,” said executive director Alice Mergler. “The computers they will be donating will help to continue the legacy of education around us.”
Tri-Ed Tutoring, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and Camp Invention have also teamed up with The NEW School in hopes of preparing local youth for the 21st Century.
