More Than a Podcast. A Platform for Student Voices.
The STEAM Box RI podcast is more than a series of conversations—it's an opportunity for young people to discover the power of their own voice.
Students don't simply participate in interviews. They research topics, develop questions, operate professional equipment, produce episodes, tell meaningful stories, and engage with leaders from across education, business, government, and the community.
Along the way, they develop communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership skills that prepare them for success far beyond the recording studio.
Student-Led From
Start To Finish
Every episode is an opportunity for students to take ownership of the creative process.
Participants are involved in every stage of production, including:
- Topic development
- Research
- Guest preparation
- Interviewing
- Audio production
- Editing
- Publishing
- Promotion
By taking responsibility for the finished product, students gain valuable technical skills while learning the importance of preparation, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
STEAM Box vs
Latest Episodes
STEAM Box youth take on the world and this is where we discuss throughout the school year. Check out our Mangu con Salami special in February where youth discuss healthy relationships. Check out our Joyful Rebellion series in May where our youth innovate mental wellness.
STEAM Box and the youth of the summer ACN program sit down with author and artist Dr. Nettrice Gaskins. Recognized as a leading pioneer of “Afrofuturism 3.0,” Gaskins discusses how generative AI acts as a digital continuum of her background in computer graphics, education, and traditional fine arts.
The conversation dives straight into the high-stakes debates surrounding AI in the arts today. Dr. Gaskins addresses the systemic racial biases baked into mainstream image generators, sharing how she bypasses stereotypical prompts to create art that truly represents Black women. The group also tackles the environmental and social costs of data centers built in underprivileged communities, contextualizing these technological challenges within a broader critique of capitalism.
From navigating online “pitchforks” over her public airport art exhibits to unpacking the ongoing culture wars involving major musical figures like Lupe Fiasco, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Gaskins offers a masterclass in staying resilient. She also shares fascinating behind-the-scenes details of her recent visual design collaboration with Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth Carter on the film Sinners, as well as her innovative STEAM lab project that utilizes micro:bits to turn the traditional, enslaved Juba/Hambone dance into personalized, bias-free AI models. Ultimately, she challenges the next generation of creators to look past simple “virtue signaling” and build non-hierarchical systems that reshape our collective future.
#Afrofuturism #AIArt #NettriceGaskins #STEAMEducation #AIBias #STEAMBoxPodcast #CreativeCoding #CultureWars #JubaDance
Conversations That Matter
The STEAM Box RI podcast explores topics that are relevant to young people and the communities they serve.
Episodes feature conversations with educators, innovators, entrepreneurs, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, artists, and students who are making a positive difference.
Together, these discussions encourage curiosity, inspire new ideas, and demonstrate what's possible when young people are given opportunities to learn directly from real-world experiences.
Recognized Around the World
The STEAM Box RI podcast has earned national and international recognition for its innovative approach to youth-led storytelling and education.
Its success reflects not only the quality of the conversations, but the dedication, creativity, and leadership demonstrated by the students who produce every episode.
While awards and rankings are meaningful milestones, the greatest achievement is helping young people develop the confidence to share their ideas and contribute their voices to important conversations.
Listen to the Latest Episodes
Whether you're a student, educator, parent, community partner, or supporter, we invite you to explore the conversations that continue to inspire learning, creativity, and leadership.
Every episode reflects the curiosity, talent, and determination of the young people who make STEAM Box RI such an extraordinary community.