Our programs help to equip low-income children to succeed in school, empower high school students to pursue post-secondary education, teach unemployed HOC residents the necessary skills for success in the job market and in creating their own small businesses, and help homeless families obtain permanent housing.

Our afterschool Kids’ STEM clubs and summer day camps, bring robotics activities and instruction to hundreds of elementary and middle school aged children. These children, who are at-risk of underperforming in school because of socio-economic factors, demonstrate sincere excitement about STEM subjects in school because of these programs. They show a greater interest in school and ultimately in pursuing STEM in higher education and careers. 

Kids’ STEM After-School Program

The Kids’ STEAM Program provides exciting after-school activities and lessons in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) to children of low-income families. Trained instructors teach HOC youth a variety of skills in everything from building robots and conducting science experiments to artistic expression with technology and cultural arts projects in dance, art, and videography.

The Kids’ STEM Program provides after-school robotics training sessions at various subsidized housing sites for low-income families. Trained robotics instructors teach at-risk, STEM-deprived, students the basics of coding, engineering, and computer programming, using evidence-based curriculum such as the Lego Education and others. Participants create First Lego League Expo quality presentations and prepare for informal competitions.

STEM Summer Day Camps

Each year Community Partners, Inc. in collaboration with HOC, coordinates summer day camps that bring STEAM activities in robotics, scientific research, STEM career exploration and cultural arts to low-income youth. Whether virtual or in-person, the summer day camps run up to four hours a day for a week at a time. The activities help to keep our kids engaged and thinking, so that they are better prepared for the upcoming school year.

Also, low-income middle school youth are inspired to be STEM researchers. In partnership with Learning Undefeated, Community Partners and HOC conduct a summer day camp for rising seventh and eighth graders, with a focus on underserved students (defined as minority, female, low- income, and first in their family to go to college). This specialized day camp engages students in authentic research experiences and tours of Maryland STEM research organizations to promote positive attitudes and confidence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Each day after touring these fascinating laboratories, the youth conduct their own age-appropriate laboratory activities that align with local, state, and national curriculum standards. These activities include common bioscience techniques such as DNA extraction and agarose gel electrophoresis, and relevant themes such as alternative fuels, bioengineering, and crime scene investigation.

STEAM Forward -  COLLEGE ACCESS

For our College Access component of STEAM Forward, Community Partners and HOC partner with First Generation College Bound (FGCB) in order to help youth from low-income and first-generation families to achieve social and economic success by providing advice, encouragement, and support in obtaining a college degree. FGCB offer out-of-school workshops, individualized coaching and mentoring support needed to inform and encourage youth to graduate from high school and matriculate into college.

Adult Education/Workforce Development (AEWD)

Community Partners works closely with HOC by offering tuition assistance and other AEWD related services, to HOC adults, helping them to increase their education and vocational skills, which helps them find and retain employment with livable wages.

Participants regularly attend coaching sessions, which help them create and follow an education/career plan and which give them the skills to attain and retain employment. After various federal and local forms of academic assistance are exhausted participants receive from Community Partners and HOC tuition assistance up to 80% of the costs. This assistance may be used toward tuition, fees, books, supplies, etc. in pursuit of a degree and/or vocational certification. In turn, participants are responsible for 20% of their educational costs.

Small Business Development

In partnership with ALSTNTEC, Community Partners and HOC coordinate several cohorts of a 10-week Small Business Strategy Course to help low- and moderate income adults create and/or expand their small businesses. The course, offered virtually, instructs participants on: Developing an actionable business strategy; Choosing a business structure and understanding tax obligations; Legalizing a business; Creating business, marketing and sales strategy plans; Creating and effectively using a brand; Targeting markets; Identifying resources to keep a business operational during the first year and beyond.

Housing Counseling Plus Program (HCPP)

HCPP provides assistance to homeless families with meeting their move in costs, thereby obtaining stable permanent housing and to formerly chronic homeless individuals with maintaining their housing during the first 12-24 months of housing stabilization.