Students gather around the tuning fork station, waiting their turn to hit the fork while observing their classmates at the “#STEAMtheBlock Party” on Oct. 17. Credit: Keith Golden Jr./The Washington Informer
The Swaliga Foundation celebrated a milestone with its 10th Annual #STEAMtheBlock Party, a free community event held on Friday at Gateway DC in Southeast Washington. Sponsored by Best Buy, Google, and Bank of America, the event brought together students, families, educators, and community partners for a day of learning, creativity, and fun.
This year’s “Fall Back to School Edition” featured interactive stations highlighting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). Attendees explored hands-on exhibits, participated in live demonstrations, and enjoyed performances from local artists.
The event, part of Swaliga’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, focused on creating safe and engaging spaces for young people amid growing concerns around youth-involved incidents across the District.
Photos from the event captured students experimenting with robotics, painting community murals, and collaborating with mentors from leading tech companies — all underscoring Swaliga’s mission to connect youth with global opportunities through STEAM education and culture.
At the technology station, a student works on a circuit board during the #STEAMtheBlock Party on Oct. 17. Credit: Keith Golden Jr./The Washington InformerThe Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy PCS Marching Eagles Drumline performs for students and teachers at the “#SteamtheBlock Party” on Oct. 17. Credit: Keith Golden Jr./The Washington InformerA student participates in the quarterback toss station at the “#SteamtheBlock Party” on Oct. 17.A student uses a pocket microscope to observe small organisms at the “#SteamtheBlock Party” on Oct. 17.Students wait their turn while others climb in and out of the bounce house at the “#SteamtheBlock Party” on Oct. 17. Credit: Keith Golden Jr./The Washington InformerStudents interact with a light wall display during the #STEAMtheBlock Party on Oct. 17 at Gateway DC. Credit: (Keith Golden Jr./The Washington Informer)A student does a backflip on a bungee trampoline while two others scale the rock climbing wall at the “#SteamtheBlock Party” on Oct. 17. Credit: Keith Golden Jr./The Washington InformerSwaliga Foundation founder Lemond “Mr. IMAG” Brown addresses the crowd during the #STEAMtheBlock Party at Gateway DC on Oct. 17. Credit: (Keith Golden Jr./The Washington Informer)Students learn about herbs and natural remedies at a wellness education station during the #STEAMtheBlock Party on Oct. 17. Credit: (Keith Golden Jr./The Washington Informer)Students compete in NBA 2K at the gaming station during the #STEAMtheBlock Party on Oct. 17 at Gateway DC. Credit: Keith Golden Jr./The Washington InformerAttendees contribute drawings and messages to a community art board during the #STEAMtheBlock Party on Oct. 17 at Gateway DC. Credit: (Keith Golden Jr./The Washington Informer)
Keith Golden Jr. is a senior journalism major and political science minor at Howard University from Riviera Beach, Florida. Specializing in documentary photography and documentary filmmaking, Golden believes...
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