The College of Information (INFO) at the University of Maryland recently featured work being implemented as part of the TRAILS SEED grant. Per the INFO LI posting, “Nearly 30 middle school students recently explored #AI through community advocacy and zine-making during the 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 showcase, an NSF-funded research project led by INFO Professors 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗘𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲 and Tamara Clegg in collaboration with Associate Professor Afiya Fredericks, PhD of Morgan State University.

Over two weeks, the program empowered students to examine AI through culturally responsive, community-centered learning while helping prepare teachers to bring these approaches into their classrooms. The experience culminated in a Friday Showcase attended by INFO Dean 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼𝘁 and students’ families, celebrating the ideas, creativity, and advocacy of the next generation.”

Additionally, parents were also invited to learn about the work being done through 2 Parent Workshops. Per Dr. Fredericks, “Kids had the opportunity to share with parents the projects they were working on during the program.  It was a really beautiful experience for families, community leaders and researcher alike!”

Dr. Fredericks serves as TRAILS SEED grant CO-PI, alongside colleagues at UMD College Park. NCEED graduate research assistant, Ms. Nacie Jones-Grigsby was a researcher on that project and supported the summer program as well.