Welcome to my blog! My name is Navya Dasari and I'm a senior at BASIS Scottsdale High School in Arizona. Soon, I will leave the classroom to spend my last few months of high school conducting a Senior Research Project. I hope to share my experiences on this blog, relating what I learn in the process!

My interest in educational outreach began with my work as coordinator for the Scottsdale youth chapter of Asha for Education. Since 7th grade I've helped raise money for various projects in India. But while I've loved fundraising for a cause that means so much to me, living in America means I've never been able to participate in direct outreach for these organizations.

Last year I joined Young Authors of Arizona (YAA), the regional affiliate for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, as a Student Leader. Through this organization I've been able to directly coordinate outreach, raising awareness for the Awards and conducting workshops around the Valley. I'm also in charge of social media for YAA, and you can view our blog here!

While working with YAA, I've realized how much there is to learn about outreach. I want to discover more effective ways to connect with other communities, and increase extracurricular participation in the arts, especially among previously marginalized groups. Beginning in February, I will intern at the i.d.e.a. Museum, a hands-on museum that provides activities designed to educate kids on art and science. I will look at current outreach methods used by the i.d.e.a. Museum and YAA, and hope to end the next few months with knowledge I can use in the future!