TECH CORPS and FirstEnergy Foundation team up to empower the next generation of technology leaders!
TECH CORPS is excited to announce a new initiative funded by a $100,000 donation from the FirstEnergy Foundation that will help expand access to computer science learning for elementary and middle school students in Akron, Elyria, Lorain and Toledo.
TECH CORPS will create, build and distribute 2,650 Unplugged Kits that are designed to educate, excite and empower students with the “T” (technology) in STEM. Each kit includes unplugged lessons, supplies and swag. Through these engaging activities, students learn about topics ranging from algorithms to virtual reality.
Currently in production with plans for distribution this fall, the lessons and activities can be used alone or with siblings and family members. The kits include engaging activities and fun games like Techie Battleship and Technopoly. In addition to computer science concepts, students will learn valuable 21st century skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking.
“Through the leadership investment FirstEnergy Foundation is making in TECH CORPS, we’re going to be able to provide students in a number of communities that we serve with an opportunity to learn about computer science without the need for computers or internet access,” shared Lisa M. Chambers, National Executive Director for TECH CORPS.
“The work TECH CORPS is doing aligns with FirstEnergy’s focus on supporting educational initiatives and the vitality, sustainability and diversity of the communities we serve,” explained Lorna Wisham, President, FirstEnergy Foundation. “TECH CORPS will bring technology access to students and their families that will open a whole world of learning opportunities.”
TECH CORPS Northeast Ohio Regional Manager Michelle Moore shared, “We are working with our contacts at local school districts, youth serving nonprofit organizations and recreation centers to coordinate distribution. We will also host Family Tech Day events at several locations where we will be using the kits to engage students and their families in activities that can stimulate a deeper interest in computer science as well as provide opportunities for them to learn alongside their parent/guardian and siblings.”
Learn more about TECH CORPS Unplugged Kits at bit.ly/37WPUNj
About FirstEnergy Foundation
The FirstEnergy Foundation is funded solely by FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) and provides support to non-profit, tax-exempt health and human services agencies; educational organizations; cultural and arts programs and institutions; and civic groups in areas served by FirstEnergy’s 10 electric operating companies and in areas where the company conducts business. To learn more about the FirstEnergy Foundation go to FirstEnergy Foundation.
About TECH CORPS
For more than 25 years, TECH CORPS has worked to ensure K-12 students have equal access to Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT) programs, skills and resources that enhance early learning and prepare them for college, credential or career. TECH CORPS develops CS and IT programs and deploys tech-savvy talent to assist K-12 schools and youth-serving organizations across the country. TECH CORPS is the longest operating education-technology nonprofit organization in the United States. Over the years, partners such as Nordson Corporation, JPMorgan Chase, Google, KeyBank and Meta have provided TECH CORPS with the fuel to deliver much-needed technology resources to K-12 students and teachers. Since 1995, more than 15,000 TECH CORPS volunteers have shared their time and talents assisting schools and nonprofit organizations in their communities. TECH CORPS was founded in 1995 by Gary Beach, Publisher Emeritus of CIO Magazine and author of The U.S. Technology Skills Gap. Learn more at www.techcorps.org or connect with TECH CORPS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.