Interested in Applying for Cohort 5 in January 2027?

Identity to Impact: A Mindset & STEAM Program for Teens (13-19)

Project Category:

Education & Training

Identity to Impact is a 6-week, hands-on youth program designed for students aged 13–19 at the Liberian Learning Center. The program uses creative STEAM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) to help students develop a growth mindset, confidence, and practical problem-solving skills. Rather than focusing only on technical knowledge, the program emphasizes identity, self-belief, teamwork, and creativity as foundations for learning and leadership.

I chose this focus after observing how many young people struggle with confidence, limited exposure to creative learning, and uncertainty about their potential. Through my experiences working with youth and engaging with the Liberian community, I saw a strong desire among students to learn, create, and be challenged, yet with limited access to programs that combine personal development with hands-on learning.

The impact I hope to achieve is to empower students to see themselves as capable problem-solvers and changemakers in their communities. By the end of the program, participants will not only gain STEAM skills, but also leave with increased confidence, curiosity, and a stronger sense of how their ideas and identity can translate into real-world impact.

Project Lead(s)

Dorcas Adewumi

Key Objectives & Goals

Equip teens (ages 13–19) with a growth mindset and increased confidence in their abilities
Strengthen creativity, problem-solving, communication, leadership, and collaboration skills through hands-on STEAM activities
Introduce students to STEAM concepts in an engaging, accessible, and culturally relevant way
Encourage students to apply what they learn to real-world and community-based challenges
Create a safe and supportive learning environment that promotes self-expression and leadership

The tangible output of this project will be a fully implemented 6-week Identity to Impact STEAM program, including lesson plans, hands-on activities, and a final student showcase or presentation demonstrating what participants have learned and created.

Project Purpose & Personal Motivation

This project aligns with my long-term goal of working in public health and community impact. I am particularly interested in prevention-focused, community-based approaches that empower young people with the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to improve health and social outcomes. Identity to Impact allows me to explore how education, creativity, and youth engagement can be used as tools for long-term community development, which directly connects to the type of impact-driven work I hope to pursue in the future.

Community Connection & Local Engagement

This project is inspired by my experience in Liberia and my engagement with the Liberian Learning Center and its students. Through interacting with local youth, educators, and staff, I observed both a strong desire to learn and a need for more creative, hands-on learning opportunities. The program will directly involve local students and work in collaboration with the Liberian Learning Center, ensuring that activities are relevant, accessible, and grounded in the local context.

Learning Goals & Skill Development

Through this project, I will further develop skills in:

Youth facilitation and teaching
Leadership and program coordination
Communication and public speaking
Creative curriculum design
Problem-solving and adaptability in a community setting

Project Feasibility & Timeline

This project is achievable within the 3-month internship period because it is structured, time-bound, and uses accessible materials and existing community partnerships. The planning, implementation, and reflection phases fit well within the internship timeline, allowing sufficient time for delivery, adjustment, documentation, and final presentation.