A Creative Leap Forward in Southeast DC

Pictured: Kids holding hand drawn pictures. Credit: WHUT.

WHUT’s LEAP into the Loop brought energy, creativity, and computer science fundamentals to Malcolm X Elementary School in Southeast DC during a vibrant three day after school camp style program. In partnership with DCPS After School Programs, this initiative welcomed 20 enthusiastic kindergarten and first grade students for hands-on, imaginative learning. The young learners explored age appropriate tech concepts like abstraction, algorithms, control structures, and debugging through fun, tactile experiences like designing toy rockets and choreographing step by step dance routines.

Howard Students Lead, Learn, and Serve

A key highlight of LEAP was the leadership of four Howard University School of Education students who served as facilitators. Before the program began, they received targeted training on PBS educational materials to help them engage underserved communities with confidence and care. WHUT’s collaboration with Howard’s Office of Auxiliary Enterprises ensured smooth travel for the facilitators via Tag B Bus services. This initiative not only strengthened WHUT’s growing relationship with the School of Ed but also gave back to the Howard community by offering valuable career exposure and mentoring opportunities.

Celebrating Progress and Possibility

By the program’s close, each child received a WHUT bag filled with Lyla in the Loop goodies, serving as both a celebration of their learning and a reminder that innovation can begin early. LEAP into the Loop continues WHUT’s mission to educate, inspire, and connect, especially in spaces where access to STEAM programming is limited. With community driven efforts and partnerships, we are not just teaching children how to solve problems, we are helping them discover the joy in doing it. View the gallery below!