Experiential Learning with Purpose

Conducts and publishes academic research on media and peacebuilding, including topics such as diaspora media, media governance in Africa, and media influence on democracy, and publishes the peer-reviewed International Journal of Media and Peace.

Conducts fact-finding and peace missions in regions including Africa and Europe, engaging journalists, religious leaders, government officials, and civil society to strengthen cross-cultural ties and promote peace. Examples include a 2017 interfaith mission to Sudan and participation in African Union conferences.

Holds consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC and leads initiatives to promote conflict-resolving media practices, dialogue, and peacebuilding globally, including co-hosting World Press Freedom Day events and participating in international summits.

Operates the Local News and Digital Lab to promote media literacy, civic engagement, and community storytelling in Africa, as part of its long-term Diaspora Media Initiatives project.

Organizes expert-moderated forums, seminars, and conferences that bring together diverse professionals to exchange ideas, debate key issues, and develop actionable solutions to societal challenges, including the Women and the Media Conference and thematic events on security governance.

Hosts the annual Gershowitz Conference on Media and Democratic Governance, both in-person and virtually, in partnership with Rutgers University Newark, focusing on issues such as press freedom, disinformation, and democratic challenges. Recent conferences have resulted in published reports on democratic recession and governance.

Offers training programs in conflict-resolving journalism, transformative mediation, and communications skills for journalists, public administrators, and non-media professionals, including through certificate programs, online courses, and field trips to media organizations.

Offers mediation and counseling services to families, groups, and corporations using peaceful and cost-effective conflict resolution processes.

Hosts international students in journalism, law, and public policy for internships and offers educational programming to enhance understanding of ethical journalism and its role in society.

Offers a free six-week summer program for youth to explore creativity, build practical skills, and engage in hands-on learning across multiple disciplines including culinary arts, wellness, and STEAM fields.

Offers hands-on animation instruction using iPads and industry-standard software (e.g., Blender, Adobe) to teach 2D/3D animation, storytelling, character design, and visual development. Guides students through collaborative projects from mood boards and storyboards to final animated short films showcased publicly.

Delivers hands-on cooking programs that teach culinary techniques, nutrition, food science, and global cuisines through a STEAM-based curriculum, including cultural history and traditions. Offers free sessions in partnership with public school districts, culminating in events like "Taste of Tradition: Family Dinner Night" where students plan, prepare, and serve multicultural meals.

Runs a performing arts program focused on acting, improvisation, scriptwriting, stage production, and live performance. Incorporates STEAM learning through voice science, set design engineering, stage layout mathematics, and production technology to build creativity, confidence, and technical skills.

Offers immersive filmmaking education covering scriptwriting, storyboarding, cinematography, editing with industry-standard software, sound design, color correction, and visual effects. Students develop short films collaboratively and present them at screening events with Q&A sessions, gaining experience in narrative development and technical production.

Operates a youth journalism program where students gain hands-on experience in writing, reporting, research, interviewing, and multimedia production. Produces a student-led online publication and newsletter as capstone projects, providing real-world editorial and collaborative publishing experience.

Provides yoga, meditation, and mindfulness programming that includes guided meditations, breathing exercises, mindful movement, and relaxation techniques to improve focus, reduce stress, and support emotional regulation. Uses art-based activities like drawing and journaling to strengthen emotional awareness and connection.

Provides a therapeutic creative outlet through songwriting, music production, and spoken word performances using digital audio workstations and recording technology. Integrates emotional well-being support with skill-building in artistic expression, copyright law, and financial literacy for future careers in the arts.

Teaches sewing, textile design, and fabric science including machine operation, fabric selection, cutting, stitching, and applications of advanced materials such as smart fabrics, conductive threads, and glow-in-the-dark textiles. Connects creative design with engineering concepts and wearable technology through hands-on projects.