Local elementary and middle school students have been engrossed in the world of tech at the AT&T Summer Soaring Project.
Earlier this summer, AT&T and Good Shepherd Services, a nonprofit youth and family services provider, launched the free digital literacy and tech educational program.
Through the Summer Soaring Project, 35 local elementary and middle school students have been taking part in the free education at two locations: in East New York and Red Hook.
“We are delighted to work with Good Shepherd Services to offer this innovative program to students across Brooklyn. The program is part of our commitment to create meaningful opportunities for digital literacy education across New York and around the country, giving students the skills they need to expand their knowledge and gain greater insight into the innovation economy,” said Timothy Tapia, director of external affairs with AT&T. “Programs like the AT&T Summer Soaring Project will help bridge the digital divide that exists in too many communities, leading to greater diversity in the tech sector.”
The East New York camp is based out of the Prince Joshua Avitto Community Center. It is operating four days a week from July 5-Aug. 25.
The Red Hook camp has been operating five days a week out of a NYC Housing Authority development from July 5-Aug. 25.
”We are excited to work with AT&T to bring this innovative technology program to our Red Hook and Prince Joshua Avitto Community Center summer camp locations,” said Good Shepherd Services CEO Michelle Yanche.
The student participants were provided education on programming, uses for drones and how to fly and navigate drones. They were introduced to the basic science behind drones, including physics, aerodynamics, robotics and electronics.
The new program aims to address the diversity gap in the tech industry and is being led by Drone Cadets, a New York-based organization with a curriculum that focuses on promoting safe and responsible drone pilots of any age.
“Too many communities across New York City are impacted by the digital divide and thus the persistent diversity gap in tech-related fields. Our work with AT&T is a step towards digital equity that will provide youth with a fair chance to learn the skills needed to succeed in the new digital age,” said Yanche.
AT&T is supporting the program through its AT&T Connected Learning initiative. For more information, click here.
