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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester has partnered with AT&T to create a free digital literacy and education summer program to address equality issues in technology education.
The program will help local students impacted by the digital divide by encouraging more underserved and diverse students to enter the field of technology, a field with a known diversity gap. AT&T and BGC Digital Experience will provide 40 underrepresented students ages nine to 18 in the Rochester region an opportunity to gain digital literacy and readiness skills through unique technology-focused immersive experiences while encouraging them to explore a STEM education and career path.
The program runs from July 5 through Aug. 30 at 500 Genesee St. The free program has been made possible by financial support and programming collaboration from AT&T.
“AT&T is proud to collaborate with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester to develop and support this innovative experience for students, as it further enhances our commitment to providing resources to STEM-related educational programming throughout New York, and builds upon our vigorous efforts to bridge the diversity gap in the technology industry,” said Amy Kramer, president, New York, AT&T. “Our economy continues to transform at a robust pace, requiring a workforce with a focus on technological education and literacy, and digital literacy programs like the AT&T and BGC Digital Experience are vital to ensure that students, despite gender, race or ethnicity, are equipped to compete in the global innovation economy of tomorrow.”
Over the two-month program, participants will learn digital literacy skills that include computer coding basics, drone design and operations, robotics building and programming, innovative engineering design, virtual reality fundamentals and aeronautics.
The program also will connect students with team-based coding projects designed to make a difference in their schools and in their communities, while providing them hands-on experience developing their own technology. Students also will learn from local mentors and professionals as well as attend field trips to tech settings and companies in their community to learn more about career opportunities.
“Combatting summer learning loss, especially this summer, is exceptionally critical,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester Executive Director Dwayne Mahoney. “AT&T’s support of our club members’ futures and their achievements is greatly appreciated and will continue to have a positive impact on each of them well into their lives beyond the club.”
The deadline to apply for the program is June 30.
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