MOUSE Squad of California's (MSCA) programs provide needed technology assistance to schools and gives Information Technology professionals the opportunity to use their technology skills to contribute to their local schools and communities.

To obtain an informative brochure on MOUSE Squad, please click here to download that PDF document.

Mission and Overview

Our mission is to create technology-based opportunities that motivate students to succeed in today’s information society. MSCA is a student tech support leadership program that addresses technology needs of upper elementary, middle and high schools. MSCA gives youth access to education and training necessary to be successful in today’s information society, while helping the public school system realize a vision for 21st century teaching and learning.

• Leadership skills: MSCA students develop responsibility, project management, teamwork, leadership and organizational skills.  These tools support students’ growth academically, personally and socially, helping students improve their chances for career and economic success.

• Technology skills: MSCA provides opportunities for hands-on training and project-based technology learning, building important 21st century Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) skills, including problem-solving, communications, computer applications and technology troubleshooting.

• School and community support:  MSCA empowers students to improve the use of technology in their schools and communities, and helps educators have the working computers they need to effectively use technology in the classroom. This results in enhanced relationships among students, faculty, and administrators who rely on the technology services and leadership provided by MSCA students, and creates a technology-focused learning community.

MSCA, in its 7th year of operation, enables upper elementary, middle, and high school students to provide a service to their schools, while they learn Information Technology (IT), customer service, communication, and leadership skills.   It can be an after-school program or an in-school elective.

MOUSE Squad of California (MSCA) is a program of AspiraNet, a non-profit organization that provides after-school, Youth Development, and community technology programs, as well as children and family services in California. MSCA is in partnership with MOUSE (Making Opportunities for Upgrading Schools & Education), a New York City-based non-profit.

The core elements of the program include:

• Online curriculum with computer, software, troubleshooting and problem solving modules
• Hands-on activities, videos and performance-based assessments
• Student-run help desk with paper and/or online ticket management systems
• Volunteers to assist with curriculum, help desk and mentoring
• Internships for high school youth

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History

National TECH CORPS, began in Massachusetts in 1995, led by the sponsorship of Hewlett-Packard (HP), Cisco Systems, YES Network, and other technology companies. TECH CORPS California (TCCA) was launched in 2001 with a grant from John Doerr, Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. TCCA sponsors have included SBC, HP, Intel, Dell, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and the Rambus Foundation.

In December of 2004, TCCA became a subsidiary of Moss Beach Homes (doing business as AspiraNet), a non-profit organization that provides after-school, Youth Development, and community technology programs, as well as children and family services in California. In 2007, TCCA became MOUSE Squad of California (MSCA) continuing as a program of AspiraNet.

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Company Participation and Sponsorship

Companies have the opportunity to participate with local schools in a number of ways. These include:

1. Employees volunteer at participating MOUSE Squad schools one hour a week to:
   • Assist students in reading and understanding on-line curriculum
   • Teach computer, software, customer service, or other concepts
   • Help students troubleshoot computers, printers, and other equipment
   • Mentor upper elementary, middle, or high school students

2. After-school and/or summer internships or short-term externships; i.e. fieldtrip or shadowing opportunities for local high school youth

3. Program support or sponsorships of local MOUSE Squad Student Tech Support Sites at $2,500 per school for Year 1

4. Operational support, volunteer coordination, and program outreach and management of the MOUSE Squad Student Tech Support program at any funding amount

5. Other projects of mutual benefit to the company and MSCA

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