Community Engagement

The science at CERCH focuses on unique periods of vulnerability to programming disease risk and resilience as it pertains to brain development. An important part of our mission is to raise public awareness on the impact of stress and trauma on brain development throughout childhood by developing programs that enrich the lives and health of Baltimore children and build lasting relationships with the Baltimore community.

CERCH's approach invovles community programs, science and society events, and participation in discussions that raise awareness to public health policy and practice in Baltimore City.

The image above displays the winning submissions from NeuroART at Renaissance High School, which was a special event hosted by CERCH that included two neuroscience presentations for science and art students at Renaissance, followed by a challenge for the students to create their own artistic interpretation of the brain. The submissions were each unique in direction and powerful in message.

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Engaging Baltimore's Youth 

Our community-based programs, such as NeuroART and Reading on the Brain, teach children and young adults about the importance of the brain and stimulate an interest in science, while cultivating connections with teachers, parents, caregivers, and neighbors.

Our biggest community initiative thus far engages children in understanding why reading is important to their developing brains and how it helps build resilience to negative influencers such as stress.

Reading on the Brain is a multi-year program that uses art to connect with elementary school students and communicate the effects of reading on their brain.