While growing up, I didn’t see many engineers or scientists who looked like me. Because of that, I didn’t always picture myself in those roles. However, my interest in technology grew as I was exposed to STEM through school and hands-on experiences, especially working with drones. I became curious about how technology works and how it can be used to solve real-world problems. That curiosity eventually turned into a passion and a goal to pursue a career in computer science. When I became a counselor for the Manhood101 annual STEM camp, which mentors young Black boys, I was excited to be part of something meaningful. I had the opportunity to help challenge a stereotype I grew up hearing—that Black boys aren’t interested in STEM. Young Black boys from all over Prince George’s County attended the camp, eager to learn, grow, and explore new opportunities. At first, I thought I would simply be working as a staff member, helping run activities. Instead, the experience became much more than that. As counselors, we served as mentors and role models, almost like big brothers to the campers. What started as a job quickly became a leadership and mentorship experience where I learned just as much as I taught. Throughout the four-day, three-night camp, the campers developed accountability, teamwork, and confidence. One of the most impactful parts of the experience was introducing them to STEM activities such as drone design and flying challenges. Watching them learn how to fly drones reminded me of when I first started, and it showed me how powerful exposure to technology can be at a young age. I also saw the importance of teamwork as campers helped each other with projects like vision boards and presentations, encouraging one another to think about their goals and future. By the end of the camp, the boys had built strong connections and a sense of brotherhood. More importantly, they began to see themselves in spaces they may not have considered before. That experience made me realize how important representation is in technology. When young Black students are exposed to STEM and see people who look like them succeeding, it can change their mindset and open new possibilities. Because of this, I plan to major in Computer Science at Virginia State University and pursue a career as a software engineer. I want to contribute to increasing African American representation in the tech industry by mentoring younger students, supporting STEM programs in my community, and creating opportunities for others to explore technology. I believe that giving back and sharing knowledge is key to building a more diverse and inclusive future in tech. My experience at the Manhood101 STEM camp not only strengthened my passion for technology but also showed me the impact I can have on others. It taught me that representation, mentorship, and access to opportunities are essential in shaping the next generation. I am committed to using my education and experiences to inspire others and help create lasting change in the tech field.

While growing up, I didn’t see many engineers or scientists. So when I became a counselor for the Manhood101 annual STEM camp, which mentors young Black boys, I was excited. I was going to be part of something that would rewrite a story I grew up hearing about: that Black boys aren’t interested in STEM. Young Black boys from all over Prince George’s County attended the camp. When I first went to the camp my first year, I thought I was just going to work as a staff member. But instead, we operated as mentors. For the counselors, it felt like we were big brothers to the campers. What started as a job became a meaningful mentorship experience where I learned as much as I taught. The camp was a four-day, three-night event. Day one focused on introductions and allowing campers and counselors to get to know each other. Everyone was excited to begin. Campers were shown to their bunks, settled in, and then had free time before we discussed vision boards. I felt this was important because without a vision or goal, it is difficult to know what you are working toward. On day two, the camp fully started. Campers learned they had to wake up early and hold each other accountable. At meals, each group was responsible for serving and cleaning up. This helped build discipline and teamwork. That day, they were also introduced to STEM activities, including drone design and flying challenges. Watching them learn to fly drones reminded me of my own first experience, and it showed me how powerful early exposure to STEM can be. Later, they worked on their vision boards, enthusiastically sharing goals and helping each other when needed. Day three was one of the most impactful days. Campers were placed into groups for activities like kayaking, swimming, horseback riding, and basketball. Many of them faced fears and tried new experiences. Some were nervous about kayaking, but overcame it once they participated. Others experienced horseback riding for the first time, something they likely never would have had access to otherwise. That day showed me the importance of exposing young people to new opportunities. Later, the campers returned to drive RC cars and learn how they were built. We ended the day with a barbecue dinner at Brandywine Pavilion Park. During the closing ceremony, awards were given out, and the campers celebrated each other. In that moment, I realized they had formed real brotherhood. This experience showed me how important it is for people my age to give back to younger students because they are the next generation. It strengthened my passion for STEM and showed me the impact mentorship can have on confidence, mindset, and opportunity. Giving back to my community is important to me because I understand what it feels like to not see many people who look like me in STEM spaces. I want to be the representation I once needed growing up. Mentoring at the Manhood101 STEM camp allows me to show younger students that they belong in STEM and that their goals are achievable.

While growing up, I didn’t see many engineers or scientists who looked like me. Because of that, I didn’t always picture myself in those roles. However, my interest in technology grew as I was exposed to STEM through school and hands-on experiences, especially working with drones. I became curious about how technology works and how it can be used to solve real-world problems. That curiosity eventually turned into a passion and a goal to pursue a career in computer science. When I became a counselor for the Manhood101 annual STEM camp, which mentors young Black boys, I was excited to be part of something meaningful. I had the opportunity to help challenge a stereotype I grew up hearing—that Black boys aren’t interested in STEM. Young Black boys from all over Prince George’s County attended the camp, eager to learn, grow, and explore new opportunities. At first, I thought I would simply be working as a staff member, helping run activities. Instead, the experience became much more than that. As counselors, we served as mentors and role models, almost like big brothers to the campers. What started as a job quickly became a leadership and mentorship experience where I learned just as much as I taught. Throughout the four-day, three-night camp, the campers developed accountability, teamwork, and confidence. One of the most impactful parts of the experience was introducing them to STEM activities such as drone design and flying challenges. Watching them learn how to fly drones reminded me of when I first started and showed me how powerful early exposure to technology can be. I also saw the importance of teamwork as campers supported one another and worked together toward their goals. By the end of the camp, the boys had built strong connections and a sense of brotherhood. More importantly, they began to see themselves in spaces they may not have considered before. That experience made me realize how important representation is in technology. When young Black students are exposed to STEM and see people who look like them succeeding, it can open doors and change their mindset. Because of this experience, I have realized that pursuing higher education is essential to gaining the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the technology field. I plan to major in Computer Science at Virginia State University and pursue a career as a software engineer. I want to contribute to increasing African American representation in the tech industry by mentoring younger students, supporting STEM programs in my community, and creating opportunities for others to explore technology. My experience at the Manhood101 STEM camp not only strengthened my passion for technology but also showed me the impact I can have on others. I am committed to using my education not only to build a successful career, but to open doors for others and help shape a future where more young Black students can see themselves in technology.

While growing up, I didn’t see many engineers or scientists who looked like me. Because of that, I didn’t always picture myself in those roles. However, my interest in technology grew as I was exposed to STEM through school and hands-on experiences, especially working with drones. I became curious about how technology works and how it can be used to solve real-world problems. That curiosity eventually turned into a passion and a goal to pursue a career in computer science. When I became a counselor for the Manhood101 annual STEM camp, which mentors young Black boys, I was excited to be part of something meaningful. I had the opportunity to help challenge a stereotype I grew up hearing—that Black boys aren’t interested in STEM. Young Black boys from all over Prince George’s County attended the camp, eager to learn, grow, and explore new opportunities. At first, I thought I would simply be working as a staff member, helping run activities. Instead, the experience became much more than that. As counselors, we served as mentors and role models, almost like big brothers to the campers. What started as a job quickly became a leadership and mentorship experience where I learned just as much as I taught. Throughout the four-day, three-night camp, the campers developed accountability, teamwork, and confidence. One of the most impactful parts of the experience was introducing them to STEM activities such as drone design and flying challenges. Watching them learn how to fly drones reminded me of when I first started, and it showed me how powerful exposure to technology can be at a young age. I also saw the importance of teamwork as campers helped each other with projects like vision boards and presentations, encouraging one another to think about their goals and future. By the end of the camp, the boys had built strong connections and a sense of brotherhood. More importantly, they began to see themselves in spaces they may not have considered before. That experience made me realize how important representation is in technology. When young Black students are exposed to STEM and see people who look like them succeeding, it can change their mindset and open new possibilities. Because of this, I plan to major in Computer Science at Virginia State University and pursue a career as a software engineer. I want to contribute to increasing African American representation in the tech industry by mentoring younger students, supporting STEM programs in my community, and creating opportunities for others to explore technology. I believe that giving back and sharing knowledge is key to building a more diverse and inclusive future in tech. My experience at the Manhood101 STEM camp not only strengthened my passion for technology but also showed me the impact I can have on others. It taught me that representation, mentorship, and access to opportunities are essential in shaping the next generation. I am committed to using my education and experiences to inspire others and help create lasting change in the tech field.