Transmission Project

ScienceQuest supports community based organizations and community technology centers in their implementation of after school science inquiry projects for young adolescents (aged 10 to 14). In the first year of ScienceQuest, over 100 kids from ten different community organizations formulated their own queries, developed research plans, investigated science questions, and designed their own web sites to share the results of their investigations.

ScienceQuest has outlined the following goals for participating youth: to promote excitement about science, to provide opportunities to increase content knowledge, to foster technological skills that will be applicable for school and work, and to offer positive experiences working with a peer team in a safe, after school environment.

To set up a ScienceQuest team, community based organizations need guidelines and resource materials; volunteer coaches need training for working with youth and technology; and youth and parents need to understand the value of the program. ScienceQuest staff work with center coordinators to establish the basic structures needed for setting up ScienceQuest teams. ScienceQuest staff organize a full-day, in-person training to present the curriculum adapted specifically for after school environments. Centers can access downloadable templates, online resources, and training materials, and the help desk offers ongoing technical assistance.

A community technology center with an after-school program and summer camp. A big part of their summer camp involves computers and digital art.

KKCS currently offers Afterschool Program, Weekend Program, Summer Program, & Continuing Education Program. All of which consist of very rich Chinese Language and Chinese Culture courses while integrating some core Western education courses into the curriculum. Students range from Kindergarten through all ages.

Heads on Fire partners with social change agencies and community technology companies to provide technology access and education, primarily for youth, in underserved areas. Most of the work takes place after school and in the summer, at sites around the city.

Activities are divided into three areas:

The [i]-Team provides digital literacy instruction.

ECHOES magazine helps youth use digital technology to document stories of community interest.
This nationally distributed CD-ROM magazine contains multimedia journalism pieces as well as entertainment sections such as music and game reviews.
Working in close partnership with Christina Glavas, of Minds Wide Open, ECHOES provides training in journalism, digital photography, video editing, audio production, and interactive game design.
Participants work on Saturdays to develop their design skills and take part in a global education curriculum project. Themes such as imagery, oral histories, languages, community orientation, cultural heritage, and other international issues are used as a context for the work.
The work includes traveling to different sites to conduct interviews, as well as production and design time spent in the lab.
The ECHOES training is free and open to youth in San Diego between the ages of 14–18. There is an application process, and participants must be willing to make a ten-month commitment.

The Sunscreens series features the digital work of youth in a two-month gallery exhibit, based on an annual theme.
Each show includes a display of pieces on gallery walls, programs of audio-visual recordings, and interactive kiosks display works created for the computer and the web.
The theme for 2004 was artistic statements made either by or about young Californians who are a part of communities in distress. These included communities affected by crime, poverty, gangs, racism, health crises, refugee status, or social injustice.

Computers4Kids is a non-profit after-school technology mentoring program for disadvantaged youth. We strive to improve low income youth’s computer and learning skills through caring mentorship, structured training, a vibrant learning environment, and access to a computer at home. The program uses computers as a catalyst for youth to challenge themselves, become engaged in their own learning, and realize greater possibilities academically, professionally, and for their community.

Charlottesville and Albemarle students in grades 7 through 12, who qualify for the federal lunch program, are eligible to join our program. While much of our focus is on our mentoring program, Computers4Kids also emphasizes after-school independent learning as well. Students using the lab when not meeting with their mentor enjoy workshops, structured activities, and other projects so that they may continue to learn new skills. All students in the program are eligible to earn a free home computer system and year of free internet access. Once a year we have a formal celebration to honor Computers4Kids graduates.

In April 2009 Computers4Kids launched Teen Tech , a program created specifically for graduates of our nine-month mentoring program. Graduates have the opportunity to further their technology skills, receive college and career guidance, and be a part of the Teen Tech community.

BCFI was established in 1986 to provide programs and services aimed at strengthening children and families. Today, we serve children and families of all ethnic groups, as we are located in one of the most diverse communities in the area.

The mission of BCFI reflects the commitment necessary in the Lansing area to address the critical need for a broad range of activities and services essential to raising and meeting the aspirations of many children and families. Our proven record and major focus on academic tutorial, enrichment and enhancement for children and adults, computer technology training, financial literacy, community unity and cultural activities set us apart from other organizations.

BCFI has a long history of providing services to youth and young adults in our community. For more than 23 years we have operated a variety of programs that have offered services in the areas of tutoring and academic achievement; summer employment opportunities; job shadowing; paid/unpaid work experiences; leadership development through community service activity; positive social behavior; and mentoring. We have a full on-site computer lab, a cadre of loyal dedicated volunteers, a strong network of public and private entities, and a deep-rooted commitment to our community which makes us a strong provider of services.