Faculty Mentor Name
Tierra Smithson
Abstract
This project addresses a common gap in K–12 enrichment programs: the lack of intentional documentation and representation of students’ everyday experiences, relationships, and growth. As College Corps Fellows placed with Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) at Van Buren Elementary in Stockton, California, we worked with 7th and 8th grade students to design a digital and printed collage that captures moments of engagement, teamwork, and authentic student interaction throughout the program. The goal of this project was twofold: to create a lasting artifact that students can revisit as a reflection of their middle school experience, and to develop a visual storytelling tool that communicates the impact of IYT to a broader audience. Through collecting and curating images that highlight collaboration, joy, and participation, we sought to center student voices and experiences in a format that feels both accessible and meaningful. While final outcomes are still in progress, our observations suggest that students value being seen and represented, and that visual storytelling can strengthen their sense of belonging and community. Additionally, this project reinforced the importance of creating spaces where students feel recognized not only for academic achievement, but for their presence and contributions. Working with middle school students also emphasized the need for adaptability, creativity, and intentional relationship-building in educational settings. Overall, this project highlights how simple, student-centered initiatives can support memory-building, engagement, and program visibility, while contributing to a more inclusive and reflective learning environment.
Location
DeRosa University Center, University of the Pacific
Start Date
24-4-2026 3:00 PM
End Date
24-4-2026 5:00 PM
Preserving Moments: Visual Storytelling in Middle School Engagement
DeRosa University Center, University of the Pacific
This project addresses a common gap in K–12 enrichment programs: the lack of intentional documentation and representation of students’ everyday experiences, relationships, and growth. As College Corps Fellows placed with Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) at Van Buren Elementary in Stockton, California, we worked with 7th and 8th grade students to design a digital and printed collage that captures moments of engagement, teamwork, and authentic student interaction throughout the program. The goal of this project was twofold: to create a lasting artifact that students can revisit as a reflection of their middle school experience, and to develop a visual storytelling tool that communicates the impact of IYT to a broader audience. Through collecting and curating images that highlight collaboration, joy, and participation, we sought to center student voices and experiences in a format that feels both accessible and meaningful. While final outcomes are still in progress, our observations suggest that students value being seen and represented, and that visual storytelling can strengthen their sense of belonging and community. Additionally, this project reinforced the importance of creating spaces where students feel recognized not only for academic achievement, but for their presence and contributions. Working with middle school students also emphasized the need for adaptability, creativity, and intentional relationship-building in educational settings. Overall, this project highlights how simple, student-centered initiatives can support memory-building, engagement, and program visibility, while contributing to a more inclusive and reflective learning environment.
