AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Tyler Block

The Center for Educational Outreach wants all kids to have a love of science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM.  We believe STEM education is good for the student, valuable to society, and important for the future. Tyler Block, is a VISTA member serving at the Center for Educational Outreach, he runs a robotics program at the GHCC run 29th Street Community Center. 

I am a Baltimore native. My family has (relatively) deep roots in Baltimore. My grandfather, an 85 year old retired brick layer, could point out more buildings in Baltimore that he helped build than I could name. When I was young, my family moved from our home in East Baltimore, north to the suburbs where I grew up. While my mother continued working in the city and I maintained an idealized romanticism about Baltimore. It was never a robust Metropolis like New York or Chicago, nor is it a hub for popular affection like Philadelphia or D.C., but it is my city.

During college I studied Mechanical Engineering at UMBC with the understanding that studying any field of engineering would somehow craft me into an inventor.

That was the sole decision making process that would shape my college career. I struggled a lot through college. My failures led me to investigate why I struggled. Why were so many of my peers more prepared than I was? I would eventually catch up academically but I had a revelation; I discovered what made so many of my classmates successful. The ones that succeeded were given early extensive exposure to the careers and opportunities they would eventually pursue.

I graduated without a clear plan for how to move ahead. I was vengeful, I was Bruce Wayne in Year One fighting thugs in the streets (not really), but like Bruce I had an epiphany, only mine did not come in the form of a bat.

I was introduced to the VISTA program by one of my former professors. I saw the opportunity before me to ensure that other students had the skills and exposure to the STEM fields they will need to be successful in High School and College. During my VISTA service, I have had the opportunity to work with students of all ages, from the Middle and High school students in the Robotics program, to the Johns Hopkins undergraduates that help me at the 29^th Street Community Center. It has been tremendously rewarding to see the progress the students make and the confidence they gain out of their accomplishments. My service has allowed me to impart my educational experience with the communities I serve and I am continually inspired by their eagerness to learn and their potential to succeed.

“GHCC is currently recruiting for the second year of Tyler Block’s VISTA Position. A description of the position and links to the application can be found below.

After School Robotics Coordinator at the Center for Educational Outreach (part of the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University) in Baltimore, MD: Help middle and high school kids explore science and engineering with robots! Join AmeriCorps*VISTA and help Baltimore City achieve more.

For additional information, please contact Thomas Pfeifer at tpfeifer@strongcitybaltimore.org or 410-261-3618.”