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Inventing ME!

Sparking Creativity and Literacy Through STREAM

Created by Shirley Moss-Allen, Social Work Student Intern 2020 Cleveland State University 

Overview

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Inventing Me is a dynamic program designed for students in grades 3–5. Our program enhances literacy skills by integrating hands-on science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STREAM) activities while igniting creativity and critical thinking.

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​​​How It Works​

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Students participate in interactive sessions that blend storytelling with scientific inquiry and creative arts. Each lesson is designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, ensuring every participant gains confidence in literacy and STEM concepts while collaborating with peers.

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Young Writers' Club Integration
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In Inventing Me, the Young Writer’s Club introduces elementary students to storytelling through science and discovery. Participants write short stories, experiment journals, and creative narratives inspired by STREAM activities.

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Youth may create:

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  • “My First Scientist Journal”

  • Illustrated science stories

  • Short books about inventions or discoveries

  • Creative reflections on experiments

 

The goal is to strengthen reading and writing skills while encouraging curiosity and imagination through science exploration.

 

Who Can Join

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Inventing Me is ideal for curious and creative students in grades 3–5 who are eager to explore, learn, and build essential skills for academic success.

 

Get Involved

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Ready to spark your child’s love for learning?
Contact us today to learn more about Inventing Me and enroll in our upcoming sessions.​​​

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Program Goals

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  • Boost Literacy: Improve reading and comprehension through engaging, story-driven lessons.

  • Foster Creativity: Encourage innovative thinking with hands-on experiments and creative projects.

  • Enhance STEM Skills: Introduce foundational concepts in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

  • Develop Critical Thinking: Build problem-solving and analytical skills in a fun, interactive environment.

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Working On ME!

 

Working On Me is a program designed for:

 

  • Middle School and Junior High School Students 

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The program has a technoprreneurship focus. Yes, we just created a new word.  

 

Participants receive training in entrepreneurship and business development in addition to four other technology-based trainings: 

 

  1. Digital Photography

  2. Podcasting

  3. Coding

  4. 3-D Architectural and Interior Design 

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The Young Writers' Club Integration

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Within Working On Me, the Young Writer’s Club focuses on digital storytelling and innovation. Youth learn how writing can support entrepreneurship, technology, and digital communication.

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Participants may:

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  • Write blog posts about technology trends

  • Create scripts for short videos or podcasts

  • Develop brand stories for youth business ideas

  • Write guides explaining the digital tools they learn

 

This helps youth understand that strong writing and communication skills are essential for technology careers, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

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image representing program

Digital Photography

Beginners 
Advanced Beginners 
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  1. Photography for Beginners 

  2. Black and White Photography

  3. ISO

  4. Understanding your Lens

  5. Histograms

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  1. Macro Photography

  2. Focus

  3. Editing 

  4. Illustration 

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Influencer

Pod/Video Casting

Social Media Influencers

Becoming a social media influencer is a lucrative career. Choose to learn to use the power of persuasion to support socially responsible behavior. 

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Be a leader, uplift, and support your peers. Have the courage to do what's right, while peacefully, and respectfully stand up for injustice. 

 

Girls Who Code is a program designed to educate middle school girls about STEM science through coding.  Coding is a process that teaches app development. Girls will learn how to create apps for cell phones and tablets. 

 

Our program also has an entrepreneurship component.  Girls enrolled in the program will educate local business owners on how to use apps for marketing their business.

 

 

Program activities for participants:

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1.  Engage in coding training

2.  Learn presentation skills

3.  Develop a presentation for local business owners about apps and marketing

4.  Develop a contest for local business owners to enter to have an app    developed for their business

5.  Select the contest winner

6.  In teams, girls will develop one app for the selected business

7.  Present apps to the contest winner

8.  The chosen company chooses the winning app

 

                                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

coding

Coding

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Choose 2 Be U

Be yourself
Be yourself

Choose 2 Be U is our life coaching program for teens 14 -18. The Choose 2 Be U program provides developmentally appropriate interventions and activities using evidence-based curriculum and practices and a structured experiential learning environment. Activities are well-sequenced and active, and the concentration on social skills is explicit and focused.

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The Young Writers' Club Integration

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In Choose 2 Be U, the Young Writer’s Club serves as a platform for youth voices, leadership reflection, and social-impact storytelling.

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Participants may:

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  • Write personal leadership narratives

  • Develop opinion pieces on community issues

  • Document service learning and workforce experiences

  • Create digital magazines or youth advocacy publications

 

Writing activities support identity development, critical thinking, and civic engagement while helping teens build portfolios useful for college and career opportunities.

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There are three formats for the program:

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  • Community-Based. The community-based version is offered at our office and has a workforce component. We work in partnership with Y.O.U. for the workforce component.  Participants must enroll in Choose 2 Be U each January and complete training, leadership, and coaching sessions. They will be eligible if they complete an employment application with Y.O.U. as a From Me 2 U, Inc. Community Partner. 

  • Residential. The residential program is offered to group homes serving youth at a cost and delivered as an intervention designed to reengage participants with the community. 

  • School-based. The school-based program is offered to high school students within the school environment at the school's expense. ​​​​

 

​Goals:

  • Increase positive peer networks.

  • Improve problem-solving and decision-making skills.

  • Improve self-concept.

  • Improve concepts of sisterhood and brotherhood.

  • Enhance participants’ future outlook.

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Be yourself
Be unique
Be unique

Choose 2 Be U Summer Workforce

​​A 6-Week Leadership, Career, and Social Entrepreneurship Experience for High School Students

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The Choose 2 Be U Summer Workforce Initiative is a dynamic, hands-on program that prepares high school students for the workforce through leadership development, real-world experience, and social entrepreneurship.

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Over 6 weeks (25 hours per week), students engage in a structured, high-impact experience that blends personal growth, career readiness, and community engagement.

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What Students Will Gain

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Participants will:

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  • Build leadership and communication skills

  • Explore career pathways and workforce expectations

  • Develop social entrepreneurship projects

  • Gain experience in teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making

  • Participate in hands-on projects and real-world applications

  • Receive coaching and mentorship from experienced facilitators​

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Program Schedule

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  • Duration: 6 Weeks (Mid-June – July)

  • Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

  • Time Commitment: 25 hours per week

  • Format: Hybrid of structured workshops, project-based learning, and team collaboration

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Paid vs. Unpaid Participation Options

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Students have two ways to participate in the program:

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💼 Paid Workforce Experience

  • Students who apply and are selected through Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) may be eligible to receive compensation for their participation.

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🌟 Direct Enrollment (Non-Paid Option)

  • Students may enroll directly through From Me 2 U, Inc. and fully participate in the program without compensation.

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This option is ideal for students who:

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  • Want the experience without going through the Y.O.U. application process

  • Are seeking skill-building, leadership development, and resume experience

  • Are motivated by personal growth and future opportunities

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Who Should Apply

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This program is designed for high school students who are:

  • Interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, and career exploration

  • Looking for a structured summer experience

  • Ready to build confidence and prepare for their future

 

Priority consideration is given to neurodiverse students, including those with ADHD, dyslexia, and mild autism, in alignment with our commitment to inclusive, strengths-based programming.

 

Why Choose 2 Be U?

 

The Choose 2 Be U model is more than a summer program—it is a pipeline to future success, connecting students to:

  • Workforce readiness skills

  • Ongoing leadership opportunities

  • Internship and career pathways through From Me 2 U, Inc. programs

 

Get Started

 

Spots are limited.

  • Apply through Y.O.U. for paid opportunities

  • Or enroll directly with From Me 2 U, Inc. to participate without compensation

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