The panel, which was organized by the National Alliance for Media Arts and Culture, asks participants to discuss the following question: How can youth media frame its work in the context of STEM or STEAM while staying true to core missions?

As our country’s leaders and funders continue to emphasize the importance of STEM learning, and our communities and schools invest more resources into STEM, many youth media organizations are grappling with their role within these fields. While many of the technical skills young people gain in filmmaking, audio engineering, or design programs are rooted in STEM concepts (i.e., light, optics, coding/ programming, sine wave frequency, bit depths, etc.), it's important not to lose sight of other objectives, including self-expression, media literacy, and social change.

The panel discussion focuses on ways that youth media organizations can promote their role in STEM education and innovation while also maintaining their clear sense of purpose.

Nettrice Gaskins, who is currently working on her dissertation in the Digital Media PhD program, is an artist, educator and researcher. Her research explores how the intersection of culturally situated, arts-based learning, informal STEM learning, and digital media can be leveraged to create higher interest, motivation and learning in STEM among underrepresented ethnic groups. She is especially interested in the ways in which artists from historically and culturally underrepresented communities of practice use art and technology (digital media) to create their work. In 2013, Nettrice and her advisor, Celia Pear, were were funded by NSF to hold a series of workshops on Advancing STEM Through Culturally Situated Arts-Based Learning.