Minds in Motion
MCKEESPORT CITY OF MCKEESPORT AREA SCHOOL NEWS DISTRICT NEWS
cKeesport
Minds in Motion is a Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program funded in full or in part with a federal USDE grant provided by the PA Department of Education. It was held at Founders’ Hall Middle School and served MASD students entering grades 6-8.
The Founders’ Hall Minds in Motion Summer Discovery camp offered an engaging, hands-on enrichment experience focused on academics, career readiness, and personal growth. Students deepened their critical thinking and real-world skills through interactive literacy projects, math budget planning, and hands-on STEM challenges like building water filtration systems and Mars helicopters. Career exploration was central to the curriculum, featuring vision boards, resume building, and a two-day cybersecurity field trip to Penn State Greater Allegheny, where students worked alongside professors to explore digital security careers on a college campus.
Creative expression, physical wellness, and social-emotional learning were seamlessly integrated into the daily routine. Students explored their identity and developed positive peer relationships through art, gratitude exercises, and team-building challenges. The physical education component kept students active through cooperative games, team sports, and swimming at the high school pool, building endurance, coordination, and sportsmanship in a fun environment.
Throughout the program, student teams earned points for active participation, positive behavior, and teamwork, concluding with a friendly competition and award ceremony celebrating the top three groups. Overall, the camp successfully boosted student confidence, fostered strong community connections, and empowered participants with practical academic and life skills to support their future success.
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