Growing Effective Leaders through an Original Curriculum Design that is Stewarded by Innovation, Persistence, and Self-Determination: The Old Main STREAM Academy Educational Model

Using a perspective analysis of curriculum design, we advance the conversation on ways underrepresented and undeserved communities can rethink educational design. From an original educational model, we interrupt traditional pedagogy to grow effective community leaders. In this paper, we blend Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM), Place-Based Education (PBE), the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS), and Connectivity Movements to prepare students who are innovative, persistent, and self-determined. Moreover, the Old Main STREAM Academy educational model represents an approach that blends learning and community. Our perspective analysis reveals the need for grassroots folks to apply an original, comprehensive curriculum design to advance underrepresented and underserved communities.