Today’s teens are more connected than ever thanks to the proliferation of new tech gadgets, including cell phones and social networking sites. While teens are immersed in digital media and electronic gadgets, how are they learning the skills required to thrive in a technological-driven world?
According to the Department of Commerce in New York, students who are educated in engineering, science, and math make 26 per cent more than those who have studied in other areas.
Numerous corporations and non-profits joined forces to stress the importance teaching digital literacy skills to young people.
“The access to technology kids get outside of school is often an important complement to the learning that happens in the classrooms,” said Dan Rauzi, senior director of technology programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Boys & Girls Clubs has a long history of providing educational and developmental programsFor youth in local communities. Club Tech is a national partnership with Microsoft, Comcast and provides access to technology lessons and software for youth of all ages through its Club Tech program. The program was used by over 850,000 children in 2010 to teach them how to create posters, collaborate on film projects, and make their own music.
Daniel Flores, 16, has participated in Club Tech for two years at Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland, Mich. He hopes that the skills he has acquired in graphic design will allow him to get into art college and eventually pursue a career as a designer. He’s actually started his own company that provides Web and graphic design services.
“I wanted to create a business that helps other companies market and promote their ideas by developing websites, logos and print making,”Flores
A recent study found that teens who are involved in after-school tech programs like Flores have a positive outlook about their future. Many teens feel more confident about attending college after high school.
“Club Tech is more than just providing computers. We give kids and teens an opportunity to express themselves artistically and engage with technology in a way that builds confidence and real-world skills,”Rauzi was also added
