The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., specifically its Eta Nu Nu Chapter, is making a move to nourish the young minds of Columbus by donating STEAM books to local schools. East Linden Elementary School and eight other schools within the Columbus City Schools district are the recipients of Room to Read’s STEAM-Powered Careers book collection. This initiative comes as an effort to enhance literacy and stimulate interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics among students.
With these new resources, East Linden Elementary aims to build a stronger foundation in literacy for its students, especially during Black History Month. Principal Cheryl Jones voiced her appreciation, stating, "This donation is truly a gift that will have a lasting impact on our students and staff." The books cover a range of STEAM careers and feature diverse professionals in these fields, with the intention to encourage students to envision a future where they, too, can excel in such areas. Zayden Chapman, a fourth grader at East Linden, expressed his interest in marine biology thanks to the new books available, "I want to read the book about marine biology because I want to learn about different types of fish and look for fossils in the ocean," he told CCS.
The Eta Nu Nu Chapter’s efforts are recognized as more than a philanthropic contribution; they are investments in the potential and dreams of these children. Colonel Mathew B. Coleman, president of the Eta Nu Nu Chapter, captured this sentiment in the commitment to "help develop them" and enable children "to dream and imagine and see themselves outside of where we are and at the opportunities ahead of them," as reported by CCS. By integrating lesson plans associated with each book, teachers have a chance to build lasting educational experiences in their classrooms.
Omega Psi Phi’s choice to deliver these books during Black History Month also stands as a testament to their commitment to educational equity and community uplift. Through a grant from the University of Southern California (USC), the fraternity obtained 1,000 STEAM books and donated them across the nine schools. Aaron McKinley, a peer of Chapman, anticipates that the books "can help us learn and grow and make our brains big," vital for academic success, as he shared with CCS.
Other schools benefitting from this program include Duxberry Elementary School, Hamilton STEM Academy, Hubbard Elementary School, Linden STEM Academy, North Linden Elementary School, Oakland Park Elementary School, Ohio Avenue Elementary School, and Windsor STEM Academy. "These books are more than just pages and words. They are tools of empowerment, imagination, and knowledge that will inspire our young learners," according to CCS, concluded Principal Jones in a note of thanks for the Eta Nu Nu Chapter’s contribution.
