Fuse Project is proud to announce the launch of its third year of clubs at Florence Howard Elementary School (FHES), bringing unique, hands-on learning opportunities to over 200 students in 3rd through 5th grades. This year, students will rotate through seven clubs, four of which are directly facilitated by Fuse Project: Cooking, Art, Garden, and Yoga. The school also offers three additional clubs—Gaming and two Coding groups—broadening the variety of experiences available to students. Together, these programs aim to provide valuable lessons that students can apply in their daily lives while addressing gaps in resources often faced by schools in under-resourced communities.

Real-Life Learning in Action

Cooking Club is once again led by our incredible partner, The Cookery Project. During the November kickoff, students created a delicious 5-layer bean dip, learning about fractions and proportions as they measured out “equal parts” for each layer. This activity is a great example of STEAM learning in action, showing how science and math can come to life through everyday experiences. Along with broadening their palates by trying black olives (opinions were split!), the students engaged in teamwork and problem-solving. These clubs contribute to a culture of curiosity and learning, reflected in FHES’s remarkable 17.6% year-over-year increase in ACAP Science Scores.

The Power of Collaboration

This year, Fuse Project is thrilled to partner with Mobile Arts Council through their Amp Up Arts education programming to facilitate Art Club and Garden Club.

In Art Club, students worked with local artist Brian Tan, whose creative doodling session revolved around a jungle/wildcat theme, tying into the FHES Wildcats mascot and their motto, "Wild for Success." Small groups collaborated on unique doodle collages that will ultimately be combined into one large piece, with plans to display the artwork at the school. This collaborative effort fosters teamwork and artistic expression while building a sense of pride in their work and community. To view some of Brian’s work, visit his website at www.btanart.com or follow him on Instagram at @btanart. 

Garden Club introduced students to the philosophy that “we need two hands to garden—one to give and one to get.” Led by Mobile Urban Growers’ Pat Hall and Carol Dorsey, students explored the balance between what we invest in a garden—water, sunlight, air, and nutrients—and the rewards it offers in return, such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, and even friendships. This concept emphasized the importance of care, effort, and patience not only in gardening but also in relationships and personal growth. By connecting these lessons to their own lives, students were encouraged to see the value of reciprocity and the rewards of nurturing both plants and people.

Introducing Yoga Club

A new addition this year is Yoga Club, taught by Fuse Project board member Jessica Callahan. Students explored breathing exercises and basic poses, learning how yoga can enhance concentration, balance, flexibility, and emotional regulation. At an age when stress and distractions can hinder growth, this club empowers students with tools for mindfulness and self-awareness that will benefit them for years to come.

Building Opportunities in Avenue Community Schools

These clubs are more than extracurricular activities; they provide essential opportunities for students to engage with new ideas, build practical skills, and foster creativity in ways that traditional school days may not offer. Under-resourced schools often lack access to programs like these, which is why Fuse Project is committed to bringing them to life in the Avenue community. Whether through learning to measure ingredients, expressing emotions through art, or practicing mindfulness, these lessons prepare students for success in school and beyond.

A Special Thank You to Our Volunteers

None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers, who give their time and talents to make these clubs a success. These individuals have played a vital role in enriching the lives of FHES students. A heartfelt thank you to Caroline Ward, Jennifer Ward, Erin Delaporte, Wendy Smith, Kat and Jess from Mobile Arts Council, John Hendren, Jen Chisholm, Riley Bridges, Harley Griffin, and Cara Gagnet. Your commitment to creating meaningful experiences for these students is truly inspiring, and we are so grateful for your support.

How You Can Help

Initiatives like these are made possible by the support of our community. If you’re passionate about enriching the lives of children, consider donating to Fuse Project or volunteering your time. Together, we can continue to create lasting opportunities for students at Florence Howard Elementary and beyond.