​The Birth of STEAM in the PARK: A Journey from Inspiration to Reality

Did you know that STEAM in the PARK actually began in 2020? It all started when Ranger Jen from the National Mall invited us to Washington, D.C., in January to film 5th grade students delivering their Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "I Have a Dream" speeches on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. It was a beautiful day, and the kids were absolutely incredible. This unforgettable experience happened just a few months before the world changed with the onset of Covid-19.

After the students' inspiring performances, we stood on the steps of the memorial and discussed how amazing it would be to bring educators to the park for a few days of fun and learning. Right there, on those historic steps, the idea for STEAM in the PARK was born.

When we returned home, we were filled with enthusiasm and immediately started planning for DC STEAM in the PARK. We created a Facebook group, invited 25 educators from around the country, held weekly meetings, and began to organize the event. Everything was moving smoothly, and the excitement was palpable.

Then, Covid-19 struck. As the world grappled with this new reality, we continued planning for STEAM in the PARK, holding onto the hope that it would still happen. We persevered until the end of May, determined to make it work. However, when Georgetown University canceled our accommodations, we had no choice but to reluctantly cancel the event.

Though disheartened, we knew this was not the end. Instead, we began to rethink and adapt to the reality of Covid-19. Our journey was far from over—more tomorrow...

Stay tuned to hear how we pivoted and continued to bring STEAM in the PARK to life despite the challenges we faced.