Wed January 22, 2025

By Shelly B Short

Community

HAPS East Team shines at Hope Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Community Coffee

Hope Hempstead County Chamber Of Commerce Community Coffee Haps East Hps
HAPS East Team shines at Hope Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Community Coffee
The HAPS EAST Team hosted the Hope Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Community Coffee this morning at the HAPS building. Students had the opportunity to show some of the projects they have been working on and visit with locals who showed up to support the incredible program. 

 

Refreshments, many made by the kids were not in short supply. Donuts made into snowmen, a variety of cookies and nuts, fruits, chips, dips, pinwheels and so much more. 

 

HAPS EAST Facilitator Mayra Garcia talked to SWARK.Today about the program, “It's no surprise that one of my students on the East Team decided to do this coffee to connect with the community. We have been working to get the community involved in our program so the students have an opportunity to show what they are learning and at the same time, learn to communicate more easily with people they have just met." Garcia said. 

Garcia went on to talk about projects, technology and problem solving, "At East team, we do a lot of projects that encourage our kids to find problems in our community and then find solutions, teaching real life skills. We have all kinds of amazing technology, a glow forge, 3-D printers as well as new crickets. We use a lot of technology. The kids designed all these T-shirts that we’re wearing today, and they signed them so we would look unified.  Our main purpose is to teach these students how they can help the community through problem solving and they are doing an amazing job,” Garcia said. 

 

One of the EAST students showed the 360-degree camera that he has been learning to use and he made quite the impression taking pictures of the coffee and presenting the finished product to everyone. 

 

Executive Director of the Hope Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce, Christy Burns spoke highly of the program and their mission, “This is just a fantastic program. I have a daughter on the EAST team, so I know first-hand the knowledge they are gaining. It has been a great addition to our district, and I am so proud our kids have a way to connect with community while adding to their life skills,” Burns said. 

 

 

 

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