TIMBA / Penn Club
To holistically address the educational problems facing our Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities especially in West and Southwest we introduced TIMBA, our STEM after school program that incorporates Technology Inquiry into a Multicultural Bilingual Academy setting.
TIMBA, our hybrid campus/community-built enrichment program for children 3rd-12th grade is an educational program that bridges students from Higher education institutions to their peers in elementary middle and High school for educational, social, and cultural purposes.
TIMBA is promoting education, cooperation and networking that surpasses ethnic, religious, social, and political backgrounds as well as country of origin, one school at the time. The notion of holistic student development encompasses not only learning academic knowledge and skills, such as problem-solving and analysis, but also other aspects of students as people who are growing and maturing affectively (emotionally) and morally.
Created by Palms Solutions, TIMBA is designed to be students driven, and peers mentoring motivated. The program is currently spearheaded by Penn students including Chinyere Anucha(Chi), Cindy Ma(Cindy), Jenna Boccher (Jenna, seating at the TIMBA table) and run by tutors(Tutors) from Drexel, Temple, Jefferson, and St Joseph university), and Penn. TIMBA is not only known today as a program that instills respect and appreciation of diversity and inclusion, but most importantly it has become a powerful tool to empower students from all racial, social, and cultural backgrounds to look at diversity not as a liability but rather as an asset.
OUR OBJECTIVES: Spread our holistic student development through the school district, one school at the time.
To increase students’ baseline in English language arts and STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), and Vocational Enrichment .
Our Programs
Critical Writing
The Critical Writing class has blossomed under the supervision of Dr. Ross. Last year, the program successfully motivated and excited the students about reading, and also learning how to develop the skills of thinking both critically and creatively. The program continues to also greatly help African francophone immigrants students like Gamei (featured on the video) who are having problems adapting to their new environment, to develop their writing and reading skills. Through our circle approach, we are also teaching our students active listening, and to respect other people’s opinions although they may disagree with them.
Some Critical Writing Tools
Palms Solutions (P.S.) is committed to transforming the lives of students within the underserved community, especially the English Language Learners, English Second Language (ELL, ESL), and students with special needs. Moreover, P.S. has been very intentional about addressing the ethnic and cultural differences between the African and African American students. Since 2015, P.S. has been reaching out across racial, cultural, educational and social background boundaries, to build an integrated platform in the spirit of unity, openness, and a willingness to learn from each other.
Some Critical Science
Our instructor and program Director, Dr. Pohlschroder, helped design experiments that are aligned with a project-based learning curriculum. Students are being exposed to science through their natural environment, and the vegetable garden we have built. Our hands-on approach to science continues to stimulate and encourage our students. TIMBA is also designed to dismantle barriers and stereotypes within our student body and increase their interest in science. If interested in helping design and implement great educational projects with the students and other instructors, please contact us at info@palmssolutions.org
Math
The math session brings these in-demand skills to kids who crave the opportunity to do more, do better, and build a brighter future. Through the lessons, Dr. Beals, along with Beth Randell and Penda Gandega take students out of their normal learning environment and inspire them to take an interest in math. The exposure of the students to Math at an early age helps prepare them to embrace the discipline, and develop skills necessary for their academic success. Since 2018, we have started to also prepare our students for the PSSA and the SAT exams. As most of our programs are going virtual, we are expecting a greater number of students for this upcoming school year. We are still looking for volunteers (teachers, students, parents) please contact us at info@palmssolutions.org if interested.
French
Given the increasing number of African francophone immigrants and refugees going to public schools in West and Southwest Philly, TIMBA has included French in its programs. TIMBA wants to capitalize on the rich multicultural and linguistic assets of its community to celebrate cultural differences. Its activities include musical knowledge, food, songs, and storytelling. Its annual Cultural Day is the highlight of a year-long curriculum. If interested, please contact us at info@palmssolutions.org.
Programming
The programming class teaches basic coding and programming to diverse groups of students from K-12, and prepares them to live up to the technological challenges of the 21st century. Dr. Beals intends to have students build and achieve projects based on their own expectations. If you are ready to train the next generation of innovative programmers, and excited about sharing your talents and passion please contact us at info@palmssolutions.org.
Palms Solutions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that depends on the support of people like you!
