Target Audience: Indigenous, Black/A.A., Multi-Cultural, and At-Promise youth (ages 12-18)

Program Duration: Semester-long, 2 days per week, 2-3 hours per session

Program Overview:  This immersive after-school program empowers youth to build their own digital worlds within a metaverse setting.  Through creative collaboration, technical exploration, and cultural awareness, participants develop essential digital literacy, design, and entrepreneurial skills, laying the groundwork for future innovation and leadership within their communities.

Program Goals:

Digital Literacy: Develop fundamental digital literacy skills, including understanding of virtual environments, coding principles (e.g., basic JavaScript), and digital citizenship.

Creative Expression: Cultivate creativity and problem-solving abilities through animation, storytelling, and virtual world design.

Cultural Understanding: Foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation by incorporating Indigenous, Black, and multi-cultural narratives and traditions into virtual environments.

Entrepreneurial Mindset: Introduce concepts of entrepreneurship, including content creation, virtual product development, and potential economic opportunity within secure virtual spaces.

Community Building: Foster a strong sense of community and collaboration among diverse participants.

Curriculum Modules and Activities:

Module 1: Immersion and Exploration (Weeks 1-2):

Introduction to Metaverse Platforms: Explore and navigate different metaverse platforms, emphasizing safety protocols and responsible online interactions. Hands-on experience with available platforms.

Indigenous, Black, Multi-Cultural Storytelling: Learn about traditional storytelling practices from Indigenous and Black cultures. Analyze how these stories can be translated into rich VR narrative experiences. Guest speakers from these communities, sharing their perspectives.

VR/AR Fundamentals:  Hands-on VR experiences to develop spatial awareness, navigation, and interaction within virtual environments. Introduction to relevant software, like Unity or Blender.

Module 2: Worldbuilding Foundations (Weeks 3-4)

Virtual Design Principles:  Examine design principles related to 3D modeling, avatar creation, and virtual space design (using tools like Blender, Unity, or related software).

Basic Coding Introduction: Introduction to fundamental coding concepts and syntax. Creating simple interactive elements in a virtual environment using a programming language like JavaScript to enhance engagement.

Cultural Representation in Virtual Worlds: Hands-on practice in using the chosen design software to incorporate cultural elements accurately and respectfully. This includes exploring traditional design aesthetics and meaningful representations of cultural stories.

Module 3: Building Your Metaverse (Weeks 5-8):

Avatar Creation and Customization: Develop unique and culturally relevant avatar representations, representing inclusivity through diverse styles.

3D Modeling and Animation: Build basic 3D models (objects, characters, landscapes) and practice basic animation techniques.

Virtual Storytelling: Develop a simple narrative for their virtual world and apply artistic elements to storytelling. Demonstrate how to design engaging virtual spaces aligned to narratives.

Space Planning & Environment Design: Craft unique locations, incorporate cultural references, and design interactive user experiences in a chosen virtual environment platform.

Module 4: Community and Collaboration (Weeks 9-10):

Collaboration and Project Development:  Build teams and collaboratively design and implement a virtual community space, fostering collaboration and communication. Examples: creating events, social hubs, cultural exchanges.

Virtual Marketplace Introduction:  Explore the concept of creating virtual products and services within a metaverse setting, including safe transactions and community-based interactions.

Community Impact Projects: Facilitate projects that address specific issues through digital solutions utilizing the metaverse. Examples: Creating culturally relevant educational experiences, or a virtual "meeting place."

Future Innovation: Brainstorm innovative ideas for using the metaverse to address social or environmental issues and create interactive educational resources.

Assessment and Evaluation:

Portfolio Development: Students document their virtual world creations to showcase their learning journey.

Presentations & Feedback:  Present their virtual worlds to peers and teachers, receiving constructive feedback. Presentation skills are paramount, with guidelines for clear explanation and design considerations.

Participation and Engagement: Active participation in discussions, activities, and collaborative projects.

Importance for Indigenous, Black, Multi-Cultural, and At-Promise Communities:

This program's significance stems from its ability to

Empowerment: Provide pathways toward innovation, leadership, and economic opportunity while preserving and celebrating diverse cultural stories.

Cultural Preservation:  Develop a safe space for learning and sharing cultural stories, promoting understanding and inclusion.

Bridging Divides: Offer a collaborative, cross-cultural setting to build a better understanding among participants.

Skill Development: Foster critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and crucial 21st-century skills.

**Note:**  Strong emphasis on technology access and support is critical.  Equitable learning opportunities for all participants are paramount. The program’s structure must prioritize community support and accessibility for all involved.