Children at Hope through Housing after-school programs across Southern California celebrated Women’s History Month with a series of activities focused on historic women who left indelible marks on our understanding of science, culture, politics and art.
At Villaggio on Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, children learned about women who helped change history, such as Harriet Tubman, and created cutouts of historic figures that they decorated.
At Rancho Verde apartments in Ontario, children learned how mathematician Evelyn Boyd Granville pioneered satellite and celestial mechanics and created their own satellite models using everyday items, including tinfoil, cereal boxes, water bottles and popsicle sticks.
“My favorite part was building the satellite, even though it was a little hard, but I love building things with my friends,” Monica, 9 said. “I learned that whatever you make is your own creation, and it doesn’t matter how it looks as long as it’s something that you can call your own.”
At San Antonio Vista in Montclair, children learned about artists whose vision has altered our perspectives, including Frida Kahlo and Evelyn Boyd Granville, and created self-portraits mimicking Kahlo’s iconic style.
Youth Program Coordinator Tairen Kessee said the enrichment program aimed to provide a deeper understanding of gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
“Learning about women’s history provides inspiration for all youth, showing them that anyone can make a positive impact on the world,” Tairen said. “It also encourages empathy and respect for the experiences of women, fostering a more equitable and just society for future generations.”