Delivers Real-World STEM and Life Skills to Utica Youth
The Carol Crooms Roots & Wings Summer Youth Program, held at the Carol L. Crooms BECA Center in Utica, provided more than 25 students with an enriching experience grounded in real-world learning, STEM exploration, vocational training, and community engagement. Entirely free of charge, the program operated solely on in-kind donations and volunteer support, a testament to the strength and generosity of the local community.
Founded by Teoka Muhammad in memory of her late mother-in-law and long-time community activist Carol Crooms, the program aimed to equip the next generation with practical knowledge and life skills. “I wanted to honor her legacy by providing real-world experiences centered in STEM and vocational training for future generations,” said Muhammad. Judging by the enthusiastic response from both students and parents, the program was a powerful match for the needs of the community.
Throughout the summer, students participated in a comprehensive financial literacy curriculum. They learned to build and manage household budgets, distinguish between wants and needs, and make sound spending decisions. This financial foundation was reinforced during hands-on entrepreneurship sessions, where students created and sold crafts and products to community members during two marketplace weekends leading up to graduation.
STEM education came to life when students met local contractor Ty Lewis, who demonstrated how math and planning are essential to his work in construction. This real-world application of classroom skills helped students make direct connections between academic learning and career opportunities.
Students also received grooming instruction and vocational exposure from a local barber, learning both hair braiding and barbering techniques. These lessons emphasized not only skill development but also self-confidence, hygiene, and potential career paths in the personal care industry.
The program featured an engaging media and communications component led by Cassandra Harris-Lockwood, CEO of Phoenix Radio. She offered students a behind-the-scenes look at running a radio station and producing a community newspaper, sparking interest in broadcasting, journalism, and storytelling.
Students also had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Shyqual Lewis, an emergency physician at Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS). Dr. Lewis introduced them to the basics of emergency medical care and shared insights into the critical and rewarding role of medical professionals, inspiring curiosity about healthcare careers.
Another key component of the program was agricultural education. Students planted leafy vegetables in the Cornhill neighborhood, designated as a food desert, learning about sustainability, food justice, and the importance of healthy eating habits. This hands-on experience connected them with the land and their local environment in a meaningful way.
A special highlight of the program was a visit from Hunter Willis, a national yo-yo champion, who spoke to students about the power of discipline, focus, and perseverance. His story inspired the children to pursue their goals with dedication and passion.
The program concluded with a joyful graduation ceremony, where each student was awarded a certificate of participation. Parents and community members cheered as the students celebrated their accomplishments, many of them squealing with delight as they accepted their recognition.
The Carol Crooms Roots & Wings Summer Youth Program proved to be a transformative experience—one that blended education with empowerment, and structure with creativity. With no matching funds and no tuition, the program succeeded in delivering impactful, life-changing lessons to the youth of Utica, planting seeds for a stronger, more self-sufficient future generation.
