FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 24, 2019

Contact: Ateya Ball-Lacy

[email protected]

202.270.3252

URBANSMART PARTNERS WITH WOMEN OFFERING WEALTH (WOW)

TO PRESENT THIRD ANNUAL INNOVATIVE

POP-UP STEM + STEAM YOUTH CONVENTION

Howard University Alumni Partner for Milestone Event in Laurel, MD.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, UrbanSmart, an education 501 (c) (3) non-profit focused on promoting and advancing talented urban students excelling in Science, Technology, Engineering Art and Math and Women Offering Wealth (WOW) a non-profit that uses events and workshops as a vehicle to provide education and training to the community announced the upcoming launch of the 3nd Annual STEM + STEAM Youth Convention. The convention is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2019, 1 pm – 4 pm, at Laurel City Hall 8103 Sandy Spring Road, Laurel, MD. Hosted by the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, The City of Laurel will convene the next in a series of dynamic pop-up youth-oriented STEM and STEAM-focused activities through Hood Smart: The Urban STEMulus Project initiative. The purpose is to increase urban youth interest and participation in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (or “STEAM”).

Hood Smart is the innovative brainchild of Ateya Ball-Lacy, a master educator who was driven by the need to fight stigmas surrounding urban youth while celebrating their genius. The first pop-up, a collaboration with The National Smithsonian Museum of African Art, was a major success that attracted nearly 500 participants. “We’re on a mission to shift the focus toward positive images and reinforcement for our young people,” said Ball-Lacy. “It’s crucial that we highlight and see the creative genius and brilliance that’s standing right in front of us in our communities. This is the first major step in preparing our youth for the impending automation and artificial intelligence revolution we hear about constantly. These activities create that essential talent pipeline needed for that future.”

Women Offering Wealth (WOW) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that's progressively impacting communities within Prince George's County, Maryland. The organization's (Wellness, Endurance, Activism, Leadership, Teamwork, and Health) W.E.A.L.T.H. Principles help identify the needs within the community and allows Women Offering Wealth to host monthly workshops and community events around financial literacy, home-ownership, personal and professional development, and Health & Wellness. "Wealth is the direct correlation with a person’s overall well-being; how they endure through trials and tribulations; giving back to the community with activism; being a leader by just voicing their opinions; yet having the capability of working with a group of people and finally having a healthy heart.” Nicole Smith, Executive Director

Through this series, Hood Smart continues its mission to provide underrepresented and underserved students a platform to celebrate and demonstrate their academic prowess. The April 2019 event is open to young people from across the D.C. metropolitan region, particularly those of middle and high school age residing in Laurel, MD. Teens will meet and interact with STEM + STEAM experts and mentors from technology, engineering, aviation, medical and arts programs. Students will compete in fun-filled STEM+STEAM challenges that are judged by an expert panel for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights. A live DJ will be at the venue.

Confirmed experts include: Dr. Valerie Thomas, Retired NASA Mathematician & Inventor, President of Shades of Blue DMV Chapter & S.M.A.R.T DMV Chapter, Dr. Uzochukwu Unegbu Chief Medical Officer for the City of Laurel, Dr. Richard Ezike, President of National Black Engineers Northern Virginia Chapter, Dr. Rotunds Floyd Cooper, Principal Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Brother Shuaib Mitchell President Nubia Film Works, Sekou Bush Lead Systems Engineer

Area youth grades 6th through 12th with an interest in science, technology, engineering, art or math are encouraged to register today as space is limited. Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/innovative-pop-up-stemsteam-youth-convention-tickets-55656902293

More information on Hood Smart: The Urban STEMulus Project and Reality TV Gameshow can be found at www.HoodSmartTV.com.

To learn more about WOW and the amazing work this organization is doing in our communities please visit www.womenofferingwealth.org