The Gateway To Transformation
TOP Community Development
Vision Statement
"Our vision is to be a trailblazer in community development and education, serving as an unbiased partner in the implementation of strategies that drive community and organizational goals. We envision vibrant communities with thriving economies, empowered leaders, strong and resilient organizations, and inclusive and sustainable community planning. Guided by our commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration, we aspire to empower individuals and organizations to create positive and lasting impacts, fostering prosperous and resilient communities for all."
Mission Statement
With an unwavering passion, our mission pulses: to ignite the spirits of communities, kindling flames of well-being across social, economic, and environmental realms. Through heartfelt partnerships and attentive ears, we supply the means and bolster the dreams that birth enduring solutions. Guiding the next generation with innovative programs, we spark the fires of education, empowering youth to shape their own destinies and light up the path ahead.
Summer Enrichment Program
Yes, it's possible that all the time your child spends on their computer could lead to an exciting and well-paid career!
That's why we're so excited to offer the TOP Community Development STEM Summer Enrichment program in Leeds, AL. Our engaging summer enrichment program covers coding, math, robotics, science, and more - all designed to help your child build valuable skills for their future.
Weekdays 8am-11am
3rd grade-5th grade
Block 1: June 26 - July 14 (closed July 3-7)
Block 2: July 17-July 28
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity for your child!
Imagine Your Children
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Working together to complete experiments and learn new science concepts.
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Getting away from screen-time and learning new skills, all while having fun.
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Playing and having fun just like they would at any traditional summer camp
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Laughing and having fun instead of fighting and bickering.
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Developing a new love of STEM that will follow them into the classroom for years to come.
Just Some Of The FUN...
and LEARNING we have planned
NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover
NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover launched in July 2020, carrying the first helicopter to the surface of Mars. This helicopter must be lightweight and have large blades to fly on Mars. These large blades rotate so quickly that they generate enough lift to overcome the gravity of the Red Planet and lift off the ground.
In this project, students will build a paper helicopter. Then, just as NASA engineers had to try out different versions of the Mars helicopter before coming up with a final design, students will experiment with the design of their helicopters to see what works best.
Volcano and Fossil Lab Kit
Explore the science behind earth’s history and become an expert in things that erupt.
Create a fact-filled lab guide that includes pictures and information you can use for hours of experimentation in your own home laboratory.
Build erupting volcanoes, geysers, model the layers of planet Earth and excavating dinosaurs, and more.
Mad Scientist Laboratory
The Mad Scientist Library for Children is an exciting and innovative concept that encourages children to engage in hands-on learning and exploration of STEM concepts through chemistry and chemical reactions. Gone are the days when children were expected to learn passively. This library takes a dynamic approach by providing interactive activities that allow children to get their hands dirty and actively participate in the learning process.
By incorporating STEM challenges into the library's activities, children are presented with real-world problems that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These challenges can range from building structures with specific materials to designing and conducting experiments to investigate scientific phenomena. By engaging in these hands-on experiences, children develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and foster a sense of curiosity and discovery.
Construct a Working Flashlight
Building a flashlight involves active participation and manipulation of materials. Children get to experience the process firsthand, which enhances their understanding of the concepts involved and they can grasp the basics of how electricity travels through a circuit. They learn about the flow of electrons from the battery to the LED bulb, gaining insights into the principles of electrical conductivity.
The flashlight experiment introduces children to the concept of circuits and their components. They learn about the battery as the power source, the LED bulb as the load, and the conductive materials (such as aluminum foil) that connect the components to complete the circuit.
Lego Coding Maze
By engaging in coding with a LEGO maze, children gain a hands-on understanding of coding concepts, problem-solving skills, and computational thinking. This activity combines creativity, logic, and collaboration, making it an effective and enjoyable way to introduce children to the world of coding. Building a maze and writing a program to navigate it introduces children to fundamental coding concepts, such as sequencing instructions, making decisions, and using conditional statements. This hands-on experience helps them understand how commands and actions are connected and how to create a logical sequence of steps.
They can create different layouts, obstacles, and challenges to make the maze more engaging and exciting. This stimulates their imagination and encourages them to think critically about the physical space and how it relates to the programming aspect.
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Who Is the STEM Summer Enrichment Program for?The STEM program is primarily designed for children from 3rd-5th grade who have an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. It is beneficial for children who thrive in hands-on learning environments. By engaging in investigations and experiments, children can actively explore scientific concepts and develop a deeper understanding of how things work. The hands-on approach promotes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and encourages children to think independently and creatively.
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Are refunds available if I withdraw my student early from the program?We only offer refunds under extenuating circumstances such as medical illness and it must be approved by the Executive Director.
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Do I need to send my child to the Summer Enrichment program with supplies?No. We will supply all your child needs and it’s included in the registration fee. A STEM Summer Enrichment program that utilizes readily available supplies from home is highly convenient and accessible for participants. It eliminates the need for additional expenses or special trips to the store, making it easier for everyone to participate and engage in the activities. The STEM Summer Enrichment program that requires no special supplies ensures accessibility, affordability, and promotes creativity and resourcefulness among participants. It maximizes engagement and makes it easier for everyone to join in the fun and educational activities from the comfort of their own homes.
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Will Block 1 and Block 2 offer a different curriculum?Yes. Variety IS the spice of life. By incorporating multiple elements of play and fun into the program, children are more likely to remain engaged and motivated. The variety of activities offered can be designed to be enjoyable and entertaining, capturing the children's interest and curiosity. Science experiments and demonstrations can be presented in an interactive and exciting manner, inspiring awe and wonder in the participants. Creating an environment that encourages laughter and fun instead of fighting and bickering contributes to a positive and harmonious atmosphere. Team-building games, group challenges, and cooperative activities can help build trust and respect among the participants, reducing conflicts and promoting a sense of unity.