Learning Unboxed 225. Supporting Individual Interests and Strengths with Steve Heath
Apr 1, 2024
Join Steve Heath, the executive director and co-founder of FabNewport, a non-profit dedicated to empowering underserved youth through hands-on learning. He discusses innovative educational models that prioritize individual interests over traditional metrics. Learn about the importance of mentorship and community engagement in creating supportive learning ecosystems. Steve shares insights on blending immersive learning environments with school frameworks, emphasizing the transformative power of experiential activities to uncover children's passions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Steve's Founding Story
- Steve Heath was inspired to start Fab Newport after seeing kids light up with making and discovering new possibilities.
- He turned the program from a fab lab concept into a larger summer program including surfing and sailing to connect kids to their community.
Limitations of Traditional Metrics
- Traditional school metrics often miss the full portrait of a child's strengths and interests.
- Adults have a responsibility to build on kids' strengths instead of only focusing on grades and test scores.
Heart Club Impact Story
- Fab Newport runs Heart Club inside a middle school to support kids referred for behavioral issues.
- They provide safe space and activities like cooking, which evolved into cooking for the homeless, fostering empowerment.
