ILIA Youth Group Makes History as First Visitors to the National Electronics Museum in Hunt Valley
Hunt Valley, Maryland — November 16th, 2024 ~ Jumada Awwal 14th, 1446
On November 16, 2024, a group of ten vibrant and curious youth, aged 12 to 16, from the Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA), had the unique privilege of being the first youth group to explore the new location of the National Electronics Museum in Hunt Valley, Maryland. This exciting visit marked a pivotal moment not only for the museum but also for ILIA's youth, who came eager to learn about innovation and the evolution of electronics that have shaped modern communication and computing.
The group trickled in at 10:00 a.m. as the museum opened its doors at its new home at 338 Clubhouse Road. Co-located with the Computer Museum at System Source, this move has created a dynamic space where visitors can explore both collections, fostering partnerships, enhancing educational programming, and advancing the mission of inspiring the next generation of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) leaders.
A Journey Through Time and Innovation
The youth embarked on an unforgettable journey through the origins and evolution of key technologies. They were captivated by the displays of vintage telephones, towering supercomputers, intricate radar systems, and the progression of electrical devices and components. The exhibits vividly illustrated how these technologies have evolved over decades, shaping the world we live in today.
One of the most exciting stops was the museum’s ham radio station, where volunteers offered hands-on demonstrations. The youth were thrilled to connect with an amateur radio operator in Ohio, experiencing firsthand the power of electronics in fostering communication across vast distances, and the role radio communications play in an era of digital social media.
This immersive experience was more than just a field trip; it was a reflection of ILIA’s commitment to empowering youth with knowledge, fostering curiosity, and building strong identities grounded in leadership and service.
ILIA’s Mission: Inspiring Future Leaders
The visit was part of ILIA’s Youth Identity Building Series, a program funded by the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) under the Culturally Sustaining track of the grassroots grant. This initiative is one of dozens offered by ILIA to youth across Baltimore, empowering them to embrace their cultural identity, develop leadership skills, and take active roles in their communities.
ILIA’s vision is clear: "Our youth and students are active participants in their communities, with a strong positive identity based on a mindset of service and compassionate leadership." Through experiential learning programs like this visit, ILIA continues to fulfill its mission of developing responsible leaders who address the needs of their communities.
Impactful Programs with Proven Success
In partnership with BCYF, ILIA has achieved remarkable outcomes in Baltimore, surpassing its goals for youth engagement and community impact achieving 190% of target student-hours completed and 200% of community project goals. Programs like retreats, site visits, workshops, service projects, and coaching have played a key role in shaping Baltimore’s next generation of young leaders.
Cultural sustainability lies at the heart of ILIA’s approach, ensuring that youth preserve their heritage while adapting to modern societal needs. This focus not only strengthens individual identities but also fosters inclusive communities where diversity is celebrated.
The National Electronics Museum: A Treasure Trove of Knowledge
The National Electronics Museum’s mission is to inspire visitors with an appreciation of historical, defense, and commercial electronics while promoting STEAM education. The museum’s relocation to Hunt Valley offers expanded opportunities for outreach and collaboration, making it a premier destination for educational programming in the region.
By providing ILIA youth with this rich learning experience, the museum underscored the vital role electronics have played—and continue to play—in shaping our world.
Get Involved with ILIA
ILIA’s commitment to leadership and identity-building extends beyond this visit. The organization offers a wide array of programs for youth of all backgrounds in Baltimore. To learn more about ILIA’s impactful work and how to get involved, visit baltimore.islamicleadership.org.
As the youth reflected on their day at the museum, they carried with them not only newfound knowledge but also a deeper appreciation for innovation, history, and the role they play in shaping the future. Through experiences like this, and potential partnerships with inspiring organizations like the National Electronics Museum, ILIA continues to inspire and develop the next generation of compassionate and impactful leaders.
About Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA)
ILIA is a 501c(3) nonprofit, dedicated to youth development and leadership education across America. Our mission is to inspire and nurture youth leaders, empowering them to address community needs through experiential programs, self-initiated projects, and impactful contributions. Over the years we touched the lives of over 6,000+ youth from diverse backgrounds and partnered with 200+ organizations in the public, nonprofit and private sectors. To learn more about ILIA, visit us at https://www.islamicleadership.org
About National Electronics Museum (NEM)
The National Electronics Museum grew out of a Westinghouse Family Day in 1973. Robert Dwight, an employee of the Westinghouse Defense and Electronics Systems Center in Baltimore, Maryland and a key planner of Family Day, saw the event as an opportunity to display employee products that their families had previously not had the opportunity to see. As the founders envisioned it, the museum is a place for visitors to be exposed to technological achievements and advances. It also allows those people who have been involved with the objects to look back and share their accomplishments. The National Electronics Museum has evolved into an institution that not only appeals to engineers, but to students and the non-technical public as well. Learn more at https://www.nationalelectronicsmuseum.org/
About Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF)
In the effort to create a dedicated fund to support programs for Baltimore’s young people, BCYF was launched in 2015 by then-City Council President Bernard “Jack” C. Young in response to the unrest in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody, an event that sharply illuminated longstanding inequities in public funding in Black communities. BCYF builds partnerships that support the ecosystem focused on opportunities for Baltimore youth by providing support to leaders and organizations. To learn more visit https://bcyfund.org.
