Syracuse University, AT&T, the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), and Tech4Kidz this summer launched the first in the Central New York area, aimed at addressing the issue of equity in technical education and supporting local students affected by digitalization. We partnered to create a free digital literacy and education summer program. Divide.

AT&T ‘Cuse Digital Experience is designed to encourage underserved and diverse students to enter the tech industry, which has long faced a broad diversity gap. .. The program will give more than 120 underrepresented students in grades 4-8 in the Syracuse City School District the opportunity to acquire critical digital literacy and readiness skills through a unique, technology-focused, immersive experience. while encouraging them to explore educational and career paths in STEM and technology.

Over the course of the program, students will be exposed to a variety of topics including cybersecurity, active use of social media, analysis of search engine results, computer coding fundamentals, keyboard skills, artificial intelligence, 3D printing disciplines, digital animation, and robotics. learned digital literacy skills. Computer-based design for civil engineering and public space projects, and skills to find factual news online.

Students will also learn how technology can be used to build good and community by creating solutions and discovering creative uses to address issues affecting young people in their communities, such as digital citizenship. I learned. Child’s subsequent reputation.

Deborah Noski

“We are grateful to AT&T and our collaborative partners for allowing us to introduce so many local students to digital citizenship. “Expanding our students’ understanding and use of digital technology will help them see how the skills we learn can be applied to the careers they are already familiar with and the new careers they want to explore.” We now have a better understanding of how it applies to

“Technology creates limitless opportunities for those who know how to innovate and transform our world and unlock its potential. “We are so excited about the students of the Syracuse City School District,” said Jennifer Tift, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the City of Syracuse, “This program has such an impact on our children. We are deeply grateful to AT&T, the Museum of Science and Technology, Tech4Kidz, and Syracuse University for providing us with partnerships such as these to create more inclusive educational and economic opportunities for families of all backgrounds. will be possible.”

Digital knowledge has become the new literacy and powers all new global technologies. Organizations across industries are struggling to fill skilled positions as demand for innovation increases. There will be 3.5 million STEM and digital jobs in the US by 2025, highlighting the importance of providing young people with the tools and skills they need to compete in this innovation economy. increase.

The urgency for a more diverse technology-trained workforce is underscored by the low percentage of diversity composition in the technology industry. This alarming lack of diversity in the tech industry and his growing STEM job market underscores the importance of offering programming like her AT&T ‘Cuse Digital Experience to young people of all backgrounds and economic circumstances. increase.

“I am delighted to be able to teach and learn about technology and digital citizenship from these energetic local students. I am grateful to AT&T for making this possible,” said Laurie Ferger, professor of informatics.

Laurie Ferger

This free program is made possible through financial support and programming collaboration from AT&T as part of a $2 billion nationwide effort to bridge the digital divide and homework gap from 2021-2023.

“We are honored to work with MOST, Tech4Kidz and Syracuse University to bring this innovative experience to these students. This builds on our tireless efforts to bridge the diversity gap. , which reinforces our commitment to providing resources for digital literacy education programs, said Kevin Hanna, Director of External Relations, AT&T. I am so impressed with their work and proud of their determination to work hard over the summer to acquire important digital literacy skills.They all have a great future ahead of them.”