Rooted in Legacy, Reaching for Tomorrow: Deepening Cultural Awareness in STEM
We believe that science, technology, engineering, and math, also known as STEM, should be for everyone. But we know that not all students feel included or excited about these subjects, and some do not always feel like they belong. We want to change that, and this is why we work hard to make sure every student feels seen, valued, and inspired in our classrooms. We know that students are shaped by the people around them, like their teachers, friends, and families. These relationships and experiences can help students feel confident and excited about learning, or they can make students feel left out. That is why we make sure that both students and teachers are supported in learning and growing together.
We believe that when students get to do hands-on science activities that connect to their own lives and cultures, they begin to see themselves as real scientists and engineers. We believe learning is better when it connects to your life. We also help our teachers learn the best ways to support every student, no matter their background. We want our students to know that they are already a part of the world of STEM. Their ideas, their stories, and their cultures matter. By learning about the amazing contributions of people from around the world and by doing meaningful projects, our students are discovering that STEM is not just about tests and textbooks. It is about solving real problems and making the world a better place. At Kente Academy, we are building a future where every student can shine in STEM, not just because they are smart, but because they feel confident, proud, and ready to lead.
Honoring Untold Stories of Innovation
To understand the future of STEM, students must first appreciate its past, not the limited version found in many textbooks, but the full, global narrative. We shine a light on the revolutionary thinkers and technologies that emerged from civilizations around the world, many of which are too often overlooked:
The Maya developed sophisticated calendars and observatories, charting celestial movements with incredible precision.
Mathematicians of the Islamic Golden Age laid the groundwork for algebra and algorithms that power today’s digital world.
In ancient West Africa, metallurgists in the Nok culture pioneered iron-smelting techniques long before similar advances in Europe.
Indigenous communities worldwide contributed sustainable agricultural practices, water systems, and environmental stewardship still relevant today.
When students learn these stories, they begin to see themselves not as outsiders to science, but as heirs to a rich tradition of knowledge and problem-solving. This reshapes their sense of possibility and responsibility in the STEM fields.
Metallurgy in Ancient West Africa
Empowering Identity Through Pedagogy
We don’t just teach culturally aware content, we use culturally responsive methods. This means:
Encouraging students to explore how their cultural backgrounds can inform their STEM thinking.
Designing projects that ask students to solve real-world problems using traditional knowledge systems as inspiration.
Celebrating multilingualism and cultural context in STEM presentations, showing that technical excellence and cultural fluency go hand in hand.
For example, a group of students recently designed a water purification prototype based on ancient African clay filtration techniques, modernized using contemporary materials and coding. Projects like this aren’t just technically impressive; they are rooted in identity, pride, and purpose.
Lifting Student Voices
The most powerful evidence of our approach lies in the voices and achievements of our students. One student used her grandmother’s herbal knowledge as the basis for a chemistry exploration into plant-based antibacterial agents. Another team created an educational app that translates math concepts into local dialects to support bilingual learners in their community. These aren’t just science fair projects, they’re testaments to the power of cultural identity as a driver of innovation. At Kente Academy, we encourage every student to look inward and outward, understanding that the unique lens they bring is not only welcome in STEM—it is needed.
Global Learning, Local Wisdom
To deepen these experiences, we foster partnerships with schools around the world, host guest speakers from in STEM, and collaborate with cultural institutions that connect students to their roots. These experiences help students navigate both the global stage and their local communities with confidence, cultural competence, and curiosity.
The Future Is Inclusive
The world needs solutions to complex, deeply human problems, climate change, public health, ethical technology, and more. These solutions will not come from one perspective or one way of thinking. They will come from students who are unafraid to lead with empathy, grounded in cultural understanding, and equipped with the technical tools to innovate boldly. At Kente Academy, we are not just preparing students to succeed in STEM, we are preparing them to shape it. In doing so, they are building a future where science is not only about formulas and facts, but about people, cultures, and the shared wisdom of humanity.
