Many schools have computers in the classrooms, but not enough technicians to keep them running smoothly so that students and teachers can use them.
MOUSE Squad of California (MSCA) Student Tech enables upper elementary, middle and high school students to provide a service to their schools while learning Information Technology (IT), customer service, communication and leadership skills. The program includes an online curriculum and hands-on activities that correlate with 21st Century Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills. A student-run help desk is set up to troubleshoot computers, printers and other equipment and where students can put into practice what they have learned. Special effort is made to recruit underserved and female students into the program.
Companies and Foundations can participate with MSCA Student Tech by:- Employees volunteering one hour a week at MSCA Student Tech schools to:
- Assist students with hands-on activities, and in reading and understanding the on-line curriculum;
- Partner with an instructor to teach IT concepts (i.e. hardware, software, networking, and customer service skills);
- Help students troubleshoot computers, printers and other equipment by identifying possible solutions to Help Desk issues; and/or
- Mentor participating students.
- Hosting IT Support/Help Desk fieldtrips, offering after-school or summer internships, or job-shadowing opportunities for local high school youth
- Funding of MOUSE Squad apparel, toolkits, and/or other materials for the program at $100 to $1,000 or more (Tax-deductible online Donations are now available)
- Sponsorships of local MSCA Student Tech schools at $2,500 per school for Year 1
- Operational support, volunteer coordination, program outreach and management of the MSCA Student Tech program at any dollar amount
- Other projects of mutual benefit to companies and foundations and MSCA Student Tech
For more information, contact Jan Half, Program Director or Kathleen Lynn, Corporate Connections/Volunteer Coordinator. Visit our Sponsors and Partnerships pages to view our Corporate and Community Partners.