Hello ECM Families, Actress and Musician Zooey Deschanel said it best, “I hate camping, but I love summer camp.”  This summer, 1,253 students in 10 school districts experienced music, theatre, dance, visual arts, and so much more during our Summer STEAM Institute.   While many of the campers experienced dance or theatre for the very first time, others dipped their toes into entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and careers in the arts.   Teachers in all ten districts learned new arts integration teaching strategies during their collaborative working sessions and told us they plan to implement these lessons in the next school year.   Each district reported high attendance, engagement, and enthusiasm at camp every single day.  A Hampton County student was so determined to come to camp he called the school when his bus didn’t arrive one morning!  We are so grateful to the state legislators, the SC Arts Commission, SC Department of Education, and Arts Grow SC for investing in our mission so we could provide these memorable experiences to so many this summer.  WOOHOO! As we reflect on ECM’s Summer STEAM Institute® adventures in each county, we are grateful for the incredible memories and the indelible impact of the arts on our campers’ lives. Instructors and campers alike truly embraced the ECM mantra of innovation, design, and creativity, and they whole-heartedly adopted our WOOHOO spirit.    Thank you so much to Arts Grow SC for supporting our work and helping us to expand our reach! Arts Grow SC is funded by the South Carolina Arts Commission and the South Carolina Department of Education through American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funds.   Until next year!!! In Allendale County, we were thrilled to have the entire community embrace the arts with us this summer! From building incredible robots to launching marshmallow shooters and paper airplanes, our campers were on a mission to explore the fascinating world of science and engineering. And that’s not all! They immersed themselves in the cultural dances of Dubai, Italy, and Jamaica, built robots, unleashed their coding skills, painted breathtaking seasonal scenes, and even collaborated to construct cotton ball launchers. They also incorporated movement and sign language into a mind-blowing musical performance and created mesmerizing stars with clothespins. Campers ended by flexing their coding prowess, guiding their camp counselors through an epic course that they designed themselves. It was a summer of exploration, creativity, and boundless fun! In Bamberg, campers unleashed their inner entrepreneurs, creating a bustling “school store” filled with their very own products. Leadership, self-awareness, and financial literacy took center stage as they learned valuable skills while exploring their passions. From fabric screening techniques to sculpting jewelry out of clay, they left no stone unturned in their pursuit of success! Campers also worked their magic with sublimation techniques, designing and creating personalized keychains and other amazing items. They also had fun with Shrinky Dink, where they transformed their hand-drawn images into miniature works of art. They even used pottery to craft pieces that would soon be fired in the kiln, leaving them with a sense of accomplishment and a treasure trove of entrepreneurial skills. It was a summer of imagination, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit that knows no bounds! In Barnwell, campers gave a spirited performance of “Little Red Riding Hood” while ELA came alive as campers used adjectives to describe themselves and created collages that were a true reflection of their unique personalities. They combined ELA and the arts by capturing imagery in poetry and collaboratively creating dramatic responses to poetry. And the beat went on as our campers learned to create and produce their own music using the software Sound Trap. The music continued as they learned to play the Bomba rhythm on African drums, infusing their summer with a touch of Puerto Rican inspiration. Their artistic journey continued by experimenting with oil pastels and watercolors to create beautiful flowers and stunning landscapes. It was a summer of artistic expression, music, and imagination! In Calhoun, campers delved into the captivating realms of podcasting and advertising, igniting their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Picture this: our talented campers created an incredible skit about their favorite animals embarking on an epic hot air balloon adventure. Talk about talent! Book characters came to life as they wrote and drew their own stories. In the magical world of broadcasting and podcasting, our campers scripted and recorded their very own commercials, captivating audiences with their charm and wit. They also stepped into the enchanting world of fairy tales, decorating masks and collaborating on an awe-inspiring art project. Oh, and let’s not forget the fun with watercolors, oil pastels, and the rhythmic beats of drums. It was a whirlwind of creativity and discovery! In Clarendon, campers took on exciting challenges that sparked their curiosity and unleashed their creativity. They competed with enthusiasm to create the longest chain, observing the unique characteristics of each link and sharpening their math skills along the way. The world of music came alive as they explored tempo and rhythm, following along to music tracks with their trusty Boomwhackers. And the vibrant world of art embraced them as they dived into the realms of cool and warm tones, experimenting with a variety of mediums from pastels to watercolor. Their masks became works of art, and rollercoasters came to life as they tested different engineering designs with marbles. Campers let their creativity flow through pastels and watercolors, explored the fascinating world of magnets, created sculptures with found materials, and manipulated parachutes into different formations. It was a summer of discovery, creativity, and the thrill of learning through art! In Colleton County, campers took flight as they combined the worlds of science and art. They crafted paper helicopters that soared through the air. Physics was their ally as they discovered the key features that made their airplanes soar to new heights. Then they joined forces to create a volcanic masterpiece, exploring different musical instruments and drawing the shapes they saw in the instruments. And the heroes rose as our campers created their

Hello ECM Families, ECM’s Summer STEAM Institutes are launching across the state in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, Sumter, and Orangeburg Counties. Before we welcome the campers with oodles of bubbles and music, I’d like to take a moment to celebrate the spring programs. During the school day, over 3,200 K-8 students participated in 71 in-school Engaged Learning Experiences (ELEs) in 38 schools in Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester 2, and Dorchester 4 Counties. After school, over 300 students participated in robust arts integration and entrepreneurial experiences during ECM’s Power-On Clubs at Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School in Bamberg County, Williston-Elko Middle/High School and Kelly Elementary School in Barnwell County, Sedgefield Middle in Berkeley County, CE Williams Middle and North Charleston High School in Charleston County, Estill Elementary in Hampton County, and Bethune-Bowman Middle/High School in Orangeburg County.   In April, high school students from across the state joined us in Columbia for the 12th Annual YEScarolina State Business Plan Competition.  Students were inspired by entrepreneur Carrie Morey from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit and Carl Blackstone, CEO of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce who shared their business and life experiences along with other leaders from our community including ECM board members Perry Morrissette and Clifford Fulmore. You can see all these as well as the upcoming summer fun on our social media – – – WOOHOO! As always, thank you for supporting our work and championing the arts in our schools! Power On! YEScarolina State Business Plan Competition Recap! FIVE SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENTS AWARDED $7,000 IN SEED MONEY FOR WINNING TOP HONORS IN YESCAROLINA’S 12TH ANNUAL 2023 STATE BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION   YEScarolna’s 12th Annual State Business Plan Competition was held at Brookland Baptist Church’s Youth & Teen Center on Friday, April 21, 2023.  The last round of competition showcased five talented high school student entrepreneurs from across the state who competed to win seed money for their businesses during this shark tank-style of entrepreneurship competition. We celebrated a day of fun-filled and action-packed rounds of business plan competition with the most outstanding in the state of young high school student entrepreneurs! The highlights included the following: three rounds of competition, a business networking expo that showcased the student’s business plan with a display of products or prototypes, a keynote speaker, and a final round of competition with 10 judges representing business communities from around the state.  The business plan competition, hosted by Engaging Creative Minds, began at 8 am and was attended by students representing high school entrepreneurship classes from across the state. Through three rounds of competition and with 40 student business plan competitors, the top eighteen were selected and celebrated after lunch.  The competition featured a keynote speaker, Carrie Morey, CEO and founder of Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits.  She was able to inspire the student competitors with her inspirational entrepreneurial journey about her famous biscuits. After the second round of competition, the top five students were selected for finals. The grand finale showcased the best in the state and each student had an opportunity to present their business plan for a chance to win seed money to launch their venture.   The biggest surprise of the day was honoring David Fralix from Wando High School as the 2023 YEScarolina State Entrepreneurship Teacher of the Year!  He received a $1000 check and a plaque for this prestigious recognition.   We also celebrated the outstanding entrepreneurship teachers and awarded them a Starbucks gift card along with funds to support each teacher’s fall and spring semester in-class business plan competition for 22 classrooms which totaled $11,000.  There were 35 judges that attended the event from all over South Carolina, and they represented businesses and organizations as CEO’s, managers, owners, business and educational leaders. They came far and wide with some judges serving most or all of the day. We thank them for their serve and couldn’t have done it without their invaluable contribution and participation. Please check our website for more details about the business plans of our top five student winners!  We look forward to the 2024 YEScarolina State Business Competition and stay tuned for details on our website.   A BIG thank you to our donors that made this all possible!  It was the BEST YEScarolina State Business Plan Competition EVER!  WOOHOO! See All Photos Afterschool Fun! ECM is excited to share that we have implemented new afterschool programs across the state! Students at Sedgefield Middle school are working with ECM instructor, Andres Liviola, to learn about the different principles of audio mixing and editing. They are creating their own original music tracks, podcasts, and more! Orangeburg County students combined art and science by creating sculptures to learn about structure and weight distribution, while other students are learning about creative writing through artistic infographics. There are also students creating original music tracks and vlogs! Bamberg County students are unleashing creativity and talent! From the captivating band club and harmonious melodies of the chorus club, to the vibrant designs of sublimation, digital art, and entrepreneurship, these students are learning SO MUCH through the arts! Barnwell County students flexed their musical muscles in band club. Barnwell also has some awesome step and digital art clubs! This program is supported by Arts Grow SC which is funded by the South Carolina Arts Commission and the South Carolina Department of Education through American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funds. Summer STEAM Institute® is back! Our national award winning summer camp program will be in 10 districts: Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, Orangeburg, and Sumter. Our highly successful, national award-winning Summer STEAM Institute® features arts integrated learning and instruction, and is winner of the 2016 New York Life Foundation Excellence in Summer Learning Award! Click the button below to learn more. This program is supported by Arts Grow SC which is funded by the South Carolina Arts Commission and the South Carolina Department of Education through American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funds.  More about Summer STEAM

What is ECM up to? Engaging Creative Minds is hard at work preparing for another year of our award-winning Summer STEAM Institute® and for our 12th Annual YEScarolina State Business Plan Competition. Read on for more details! Judges Needed!!! We are seeking judges to participate in our 12th annual YEScarolina Business Plan Competition! Judging slots are about a 2 hour commitment. It is an incredible opportunity to share your expertise and your business knowledge with high school students as they navigate their entrepreneurial journey. Register below! Click here Engaged Learning Spotlight ECM’s Engaged Learning Experiences continue to shine in K-8 classrooms across the Lowcountry.   In this ELE highlight, Cat Brantley of Sister Moon Studios worked with first graders at Howe Hall AIMS in Berkeley County to create batik representations of the phases of the moon. Each child created an original moon batik to take home. They also created an art installation at the school which doubles as a teaching tool and a beautiful work of art! Click here 3D Printing ECM is proud to announce that North Charleston High School recently launched an E-STEAM program called Inspire, Innovate, and Create Institute on February 21, 2023. It is an afterschool program that meets from 3:30 to 5:30 every Monday for nine weeks.     There are 12 high school students attending this program with three outstanding instructors:  Ashley Grimball, Jennifer Connell, and Megan Barbee.  The program is designed to provide access to career-enhancing skills, including communication, design-thinking, problem-solving, and creativity through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) based entrepreneurship programming.  The students will explore 3D printing opportunities and training will be provided.     Each week for nine weeks, the students will meet with their E-STEAM team teachers after school for arts, STEM, and entrepreneurship programming.  The art and STEM teachers will help determine their interests by introducing the students to various artistic media and technology while the business teacher will focus on entrepreneurial concepts and developing a business plan.     Students are busy creating molds for bath bombs as their first entrepreneurial pursuit.  Some students have already nailed their business idea and are in production with the help of a 3D printer.  The end of the program will be celebrated with a PopUp Market the week of April 24th.  Please mark this date on your calendar because you don’t want to miss this event at North Charleston High School in the Park Circle community to support these students!   You will see bath bombs, miniature animals, t-shirt designs, and emoji themed cookie cutters, just to name a few, for sale by the students.   12th Annual YEScarolina Business Plan Competition Get ready and save the date for our 12th Annual State Business Plan Competition to be held in Columbia, SC on Friday, April 21st, 2023 8am-5pm! The business plan competition represents high school entrepreneurship classes from across the state. This grand finale showcases the best in the state and each student has an opportunity to present their business plan for a chance to win seed money to launch their venture. Click here

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Job Purpose The mission for the Operations Coordinator is to seamlessly support operational aspects of all ECM programs by organizing and managing the following duties to ensure the successful completion and delivery of in-school and out-of-school (OST) programs. Duties and Responsibilities ● Intake, organize, track, and manage all ECM in-school program paperwork and budgets. ● Order, track, and deliver (when applicable) materials for all ECM programs. ● Receive and process invoices and reimbursements from ECM Instructors. ● Visit and support all ECM programs, such as outreach, afterschool, in-school Engaged Learning Experiences, summer camps, etc. WOOHOO!!!! ● Serve as Outreach coordinator at all outreach events, attending events as ECM’s representative and securing additional instructors and volunteers as needed. ● Communicate directly with volunteers for events. ● Become knowledgeable about ECM’s programs including the Charleston Half Marathon. ● Manage and be the point of contact for all school-related Marathon activities such as performers, t-shirt design contest, youth marathon, etc. ● Other projects and duties as assigned. Qualifications ● Bachelor degree preferred ● Detail-oriented and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously ● Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office required; experience with Asana helpful but not required ● Experience and confidence in program management ● Occasional in-state travel ● WOOHOO Team Spirit that fits our culture to facilitate fun while learning To apply, send resume to [email protected] with “Operations Coordinator” in subject line. 

Make math magical with Musical Theater! Become brave historians through Dramatic play! Create Theatrical moments in core curriculum! Sample ELE: Using Theater Arts as a tool to demonstrate Engaged Learning Experiences with dramatic/role play, playwriting, creative & technical designing (costume & set designs) in small group settings within the classroom. The goal of all projects used is to improve student learning in any core content area, while increasing student engagement and interactions while infusing Theater into their core curriculum. Special Requirements: Classrooms will need to have the ability to create a performance space for the students. (Desks can be stacked or pushed against walls to accommodate smaller classroom sizes.) A whiteboard and smart board is also a necessity.

Figurative language, performance and poetry with Charleston’s first poet laureate. Students will write poems and focus on the use of figurative language, rhyme scheme and elements of poetry. Special requirements: Pencils / paper / writing surface / smart board.