A pastor recently helped bring change to East Mims by providing tutoring programs that benefit the youth. Karen Curry is part of a group that will open the East Mims Learning Center and Innovation Lab.
Addressing Educational Needs of East Mims
In a report with Spectrum News, the learning center will address many of the academic challenges faced by students. The new institution will have funding from NASA.
She told the news outlet that Brevard County is experiencing challenging educational conditions. As someone who grew up in East Mims, she is familiar with the difficulties students face.
Curry is currently a pastor of a church in northern Brevard County.
The pastor is also the chairman and executive director of the Tooley Community Development Group. The nonprofit aims to improve the socioeconomic status of East Mims.
Making Impact in Community
She told the news outlet that her organization is months away from opening the learning center.
Curry was confident that the institution would impact the local community. She admitted that students often do not have access to the educational resources in the area or doubt if it is for them.
The pastor said that she made sure to hire teachers from the East Mims area. She explained that she wanted the students to see familiar faces to make them feel more comfortable.
Education Support Center
According to the report, the center has “a multifaceted, community-based education support center with a STEM focus.”
In its first phase of operations, the center will offer tutoring and homework programs. They will also train students in the workforce.
The center will partner with Eastern Florida State College and an innovation lab and computer space. The entire program is being backed by NASA and Kennedy Space Center.
Curry pointed out that she could write grants for the learning institutions, but there was only so much she could do. She stressed that connection was the key to making this program work.
The pastor also serves as a diversity and inclusion strategic partner with Kennedy Space Center. She pointed out that having NASA offer its backing was essential in making its program work.
NASA Plays Key Role
She stressed that the connection with NASA played a key role in making the innovation lab a reality. Curry explained that it gave them the credibility they needed. It would also draw potential donors and attract the local community.
The Florida Legislature promised to grant $510,000 for the program in the state budget and $66,900 from Brevard County.
Source of Inspiration
Curry said a great source of inspiration for the learning center was also the work of her father, Robert Tooley.
Tooley worked for NASA for more than three decades. During his tenure, he cultivated the Apollo era through the Space Shuttle.
According to Universe Today, he also became a driving force for promoting racial equity at KSC. Tooley was also a Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST) member. The group became essential in encouraging the hiring and promotion of Black and minority employees at the center.
“I don’t think I recognized it until after I got to college, as far as the impact of what he was doing at Kennedy and how rare it was as a Black man to be at the level that he was at Kennedy Space Center,” Curry said.
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