Inspiring, bright, and faithful. Her steps are ordered and she’s on a mission to inspire our community through education. She’s passionate about leading our children towards becoming their best selves. Meet our new Program Coordinator for Forward, Angela Trice.
Her Village in the Nation’s Capital
Her journey began in her hometown of Washington, D.C. A place and time in which she was able to experience the power of neighborhoods and community. “Times were good,” Trice shared. “Neighbors were kind and looked out for each other and children spent a lot of time outside enjoying the fresh air.” What she considers to be the true definition of a village. The place where she honed in the necessary foundation of community: humility. “When I hear the word ‘community’, I think of people coming together in unity,” Trice continued. “It’s so much more than a neighborhood, city, state, or country. It’s about coming together to do whatever needs to be done without judgment.”
She became an educator because of her village. A child’s development into adulthood is anchored by their role models along the way. According to New Pathways for Youth, positive role models provide a source of ‘self-belief’, build their moral principles, support their ambitions, and teach them how to effectively manage social life. “I had a few childhood heroes,” Trice continued. “I want to start with my grandmother. She was a woman who took care of her family and others with grace and patience. Her heart was so big.”
“Another hero is my first-grade teacher, ‘Jakie’ Alexander. She taught me to dream big, believe in myself, and [that] I could do whatever I put my mind to. She is the reason I am an educator.”
Our Kids Need More Today, Than Yesterday
We are powered by our villages. Going as far as those who push us. Propelled by the community’s delicate hands around our dreams. Today’s children are yearning for that kind of attention to detail from their leaders. Even if they don’t realize it. With all that clouds their minds, it’s tough for them to even be aware of those desires. A 2020 Pew Research study found that two thirds of American parents believe parenting is tougher today than it was 20 years ago, citing distractions – social media, smartphones, devices – as the reason.
“We cut through the distractions that kids are facing today, by being authentic, accepting, and understanding,” Trice shared. “We must allow children to see us for who we truly are and accept them for the same. We have to understand the differences between our experiences and theirs, and give them guidance that will make a difference.”
STEAM and Beyond: She’s Taking It To a New Level
Authenticity builds trust. A bridge to better lives for our children and communities. That’s a pillar of our initiative with Forward. We believe in the power of developing authentic connections with today’s youth, fueling their passions of STEAM achievement. We envision a village for tomorrow’s leaders to get a head start on their community impact, today. Success in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics can provide our youth with opportunities to create a positive impact on their families and society for generations to come.
Trice wants to add even more to that. “My vision for the future of STEAM education is to see a constant and consistent move to STEAM+M,” she detailed. “The last ‘M’ stands for Mentoring. When we insert ourselves into the lives of young people regularly, it will improve their chances of success and a bright future.”
We are looking forward to working with Ms. Angela Trice and are excited to have her on our team. Our collective crusade towards a better future for our community and culture is in full-gear. We remain committed to adding even more power along the way. Stay up to date with The Forward Project’s progress as we move toward our spring and summer sessions.
