We will positively enhance the lives of at-risk youth in the areas of STEAM, Photography, Trades, & mental health.

According to a study published in the journal, Education Researcher, and highlighted by the Education Advisory Board, “40% of black students switch out of STEM majors before earning a degree. This is in addition to Latino STEM workers, who make up 16% of the workforce, but only 7% of all STEM workers. And, of those employed adults who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, 7% are black workers and 6% are Hispanic workers of the STEM workforce." Our programs enable minority youth to have access to STEM education that can potentially lead to future careers.

We have multiple programs that directly address the STEAM deficits present in minority communities including our STEAM & Trade Academy. Youth and teens engage in weekly STEAM & Trade workshops that expose them to the Trades, robotics, technology, horticulture, the arts, chemistry, coding, entrepreneurship and more!

Our signature after-school program that has directly impacted the lives of over 300 girls since 2016, is our Brilliant Brave Beauties/Beaus. This 8 week program offered twice yearly to schools with 75% or more low-income families, targets at-risk youth that benefit from STEAM, behavior management and social emotional techniques. The youth ages 5-13 engage in weekly STEAM and mental health activities geared to expose them to hands-on instruction that can transfer over to real-life application.

Our third program that directly addresses the STEM deficits of the US, is our Photography Academy. The purpose of the TBHE Photography Academy is to provide youth ages 13-17 with a unique program that provides students an opportunity to explore and document Chicago through the lens of students who live in underserved communities. Providing students with a personal connection to the city and discovering there is more to life than what is displayed in the media in regards to their communities. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with a photographer and create a portfolio of their completed photography work.

Our signature yearly event held since 2019 is Trade Day for youth ages 12-21! The objective of Trade Day is to expose teens to hands-on learning in trades that may enlighten their inner tradesperson! Some students love working with their hands, but don't have access to people that are willing to take the time to share & expose them to the necessary skills to be successful. The Trade Day sessions are conducted by local businesses with a wide range of options for both male and female youth. Local trade colleges & trade organizations are invited to provide the participants with information on furthering their education with alternative colleges/programs. The grant funds received will help fund the hands-on materials needed for all of our STEAM & Photography programs.

BROWN HOUSE EXPERIENCE

Educate. Enlighten. Experience.

Winter Fundraiser 2022-23