Students exploring the wonders of technology
The Cox Communications Technology Centers in Woonsocket and Cumberland have been nothing short of extraordinary.
The Tech Centers have allowed the two Clubhouses’ to implement a new quality programming with the youth, and we have seen significant improvements on progress reports.
Cox Technology Center
Woonsocket Update
• An average of 50 youth daily between the ages of 9-12.
• An average of 40 teens daily between the ages of 13-18.
• Power Hour after school uses the Tech Center to complete all homework and school projects. A significant percentage of the youth served at the Clubhouse do not have access to internet at home, and the tech center has provided them the opportunity to continue learning at the same pace as their peers in school.
• Lyricism 101 runs each Monday. The computers are used to download music, and software is used to create unique beats and new songs.
• Art program meets each Tuesday. History of artists, time periods, and artistic styles are researched prior to beginning each project.
• The Stem program uses the Tech Center to record their hypotheses, and to track/record the data collected from their science projects.
Cox Technology Center
Cumberland Update
• An average of 70 youth daily between the ages of 5-12.
• An average of 18 teens daily between the ages of 13-18.
• Power Hour after school uses the Tech Center to complete all homework and school projects. A significant percentage of the youth served at the Clubhouse do not have access to internet at home, and the tech center has provided them the opportunity to continue learning at the same pace as their peers in school.
• One up Games has partnered with the tech center to provide new STEM courses for the youth. The partnership has brought coding, video game/level design, and programming to our members. We are able to provide these programs at no cost to our youth due to having the necessary equipment, and receiving an additional grant to cover the teacher fee.
Combined with the impact of the low-cost high-speed internet program, Connect2Compete – which is offered to Rhode Island families with a student in grades K-12 that are enrolled in nutritional assistance programs or living in public housing – we can offer connectivity in multiple ways and help our children bridge the “digital divide.”
Gary J Rebelo President & CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island