Project Expose
Project Expose is a program founded to expand the horizons and worldviews of middle and high school students. We do this by creating fun, project-based learning experiences that introduce the kids to different professions, interests, skills, cultures, countries, cuisines, philosophies and religions.
For example, a late night talk show writer might take the kids on a behind-the-scenes tour of the show; a Buddhist monk might take the kids to a temple and teach them meditation; and a chef versed in molecular gastronomy might take the kids to his restaurant and teach them how to make food using a unique style of cooking.
I founded the program and created the organizational framework. I also selected guest speakers/teachers (we call them "guides"), advised on lesson plans, and then organized and moderated sessions.
Our core beliefs:
We believe that exposure does the following:
1. Helps to connect students with topics, activities and skills that they may develop a passion for.
2. Helps students to understand different cultures, so they will be able to navigate the landscape of this increasingly global society. In addition, hopefully that understanding can lead to better communication, more empathy and more kindness between different cultures.
3. Helps students gain a deeper understanding of self (e.g. Buddhist monk meditation, sessions with mental health practitioners or life coaches, stress management…).
4. In general, encourages curiosity, openness, and exploration.
Past in-school sessions (From Sept. 2011 – May 2013):
Done in partnership with the Eagle Academy at Ocean Hill, an all-boys public school in Brooklyn, NY, founded by the One Hundred Black Men. Eagle Academy Foundation website: https://eafny.org/
1. A comedy writer from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon took students on a behind-the-scenes tour of the show and had them create their own TV show ideas.
2. A sound engineer from an audio post-production house showed students how sound is created and mixed for TV and movies.
3. An ad agency creative director took the students to an agency and taught them about commercials and other brand communication.
4. A motion graphics creative director taught students about working with animation.
5. A life coach taught students how to recognize their dreams and create action plans to make them happen.
6. A financial literacy organization taught the kids about money management.
“American Culture” sessions (From February – March 2014):
As part of Keith’s Quarter-Career Gap Year, we conducted sessions outside of the United States.
Visited six Finnish schools (2 universities, 2 middle schools, 2 primary schools) in five cities (Rauma, Inkoo, Orimattila, Espoo, and Helsinki).
Pitched an “Ask an American” game and English-language lesson help as potential school-visit activities
Sat in on classes as a special guest, talked to teachers and students, and answered questions about the United States (in English).
English-language learning sessions (From June – August 2014):
More sessions outside the United States as part of Keith’s Quarter-Career Gap Year.
1. English-language learning sessions at Malayeka Charity’s Milagro School in Huanchaco, Peru.
Taught English to children and teenagers (ages 6-18) in an afterschool program based in the Cerrito De La Virgen community, a low income district with no running water or electricity in most houses.
Designed fun, project-based learning activities to aid language learning.
Co-led classes with other English teachers.
2. English-language learning sessions at Perfect Deal Language School in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Taught English to adults and teenage students (ages 16-55)
Designed lesson plans and assigned homework based on the level of language proficiency.
Led 1-on-1 and small group sessions that consisted of lively conversation and debate to stimulate language learning.
Consulting/Research + Development (From 2015 – 2016):
Participated in Startup Weekend NYC EDU, a 3-day education hackathon. Collaborated with designers and developers to build an app that connects students with life coaches. The coaches help students explore and pursue their passions.
Consulted on the development of a 3D-printing startup focused on K-12 students.
Future in-school sessions:
Note: The program is currently on indefinite hiatus, but when it starts back up again, these are a few of the sessions that we want to create.
-“Cultural sampling sessions” with the Japan Society and Scandinavia House
-Cooking with a chef versed in molecular gastronomy.
-Tinkering with gadgets in a garage-scientist “makerspace.”
-Coding and programming with Code Academy and code.org.
-Creating films with the Ghetto Film School.
-Exploring space with an astrophysicist.
-Creating designs with a shoe designer.