Hands-on Technology Experience for Low-Income Kids

It is a very rewarding experience to give our students different perspectives as part of their growing up. - Alice (CA)

Citizen Schools' mission is "Educating Children, Strengthening Communities." Our vision is to close the opportunity and achievement gap for middle school students from low-income communities and move students onto a successful track, heading toward high school graduation, college attainment, and positions of leadership in their careers and communities. Since its inception in Boston in 1995, Citizen Schools has partnered with middle schools and communities to reimagine the learning day and provide all students with rigorous and engaging experiences that connect students’ current learning to their future. We mobilize a second shift of afternoon educators, who provide academic support, leadership development, and apprenticeships - hands-on projects taught by volunteers from business and civic organizations. By focusing on middle school, Citizen Schools capitalizes on this critical developmental period and inflection point, effectively setting students' sights on graduation, college matriculation, and ultimately a successful career. Citizen Schools also seeks to build a strong and skilled pipeline of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technology professionals to fill the national gap in qualified STEM professions. Our Citizen Teachers continue to be a source of great support for Citizen Schools – not only through financial contributions but especially through their human capital, teaching our students in 10-week, hands-on apprenticeships.

I really enjoy connecting with the students and seeing how excited they get about the content and projects they work on. - Jackie (NY)

During the past couple of months, we held our Annual 6 Degrees Networking and Opportunity Fairs in Massachusetts and California. In order to prep for this day, students worked on their professional skills throughout the winter by developing resumes, cover letters and business cards, practicing their public speaking and interviewing skills, and applying for summer internship positions. Between the two regions, there were 39 organizations that hosted interactive “Opportunity Booths” for 170+ 7th and 8th graders, which showcased future career pathways, as well as, summer and high school programming opportunities. Here are some examples of participating organizations and what their Opportunity Booths showcased:

In Massachusetts:

EF Education First is an international education company that specializes in language training, educational travel, academic degree programs, and cultural exchange. At the 6 Degrees event, students participated in an Around the World activity to learn about the different countries where EF hosts exchange programs.

Healthy Chelsea is a community coalition focused on improving the overall health of Chelsea residents by working to increase healthy eating and active living and to decrease the negative effects of substance misuse and toxic stress. At 6 Degrees, students learned about different ways to infuse natural flavors into water with additives like sugar.

Wave Life Sciences is a biotechnology company focused on delivering transformational therapies for patients with serious, genetically defined diseases. At 6 Degrees, students networked with employees from several different job functions - including Quality, Patient Advocacy, and Corporate Social Responsibility - to learn about the many different careers that exist with a large STEM-focused organization.

In California:

At 6 Degrees the students got to speak with entrepreneur Dania Denise, a.k.a. The Chalk Chica, an artist who provides special event chalk art for corporate events and other special occasions. The students learned the value of following your passion. They witnessed how Dania's artistic ability and creativity turned her talent into a lucrative career.

MBH Architects is an architectural firm specializing in retail, restaurant, housing, mixed use, work space, hospitality, healthcare & fixture design projects. At the 6 Degrees event students were able to see true-to-scale, 3D models of building designs that the firm created which enabled the students to have a great conversation about the complexities of architectural design.

When the students visited the Digital Mortar booth, an enterprise analytics company, they got to meet and speak with computer engineers who've designed Artificial Intelligence which tracks the purchasing patterns of retail shoppers. The students learned how AI can help retail businesses understand their consumers better, thereby providing a better customer service experience, ultimately enhancing sales for the retailer.

It’s easy for me to be excited about an organization that attempts to prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities that exist after their formal education is over. - Ryan (NC)

Citizen Schools is extremely grateful for all of the participating organizations that came out to showcase their work to our students.

Links:

• Citizen Schools website