New 4-H Afterschool Program in Technology
In Washington State, 31% of youth in grades K-12 take care of themselves after the school day ends. Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning. Representative Norm Dicks, Senator Patty Murray and Senator Maria Cantwell understand the importance of afterschool programs. They co-sponsored a grant for WSU 4-H to open the new Technology Lab in East Tacoma at the Portland Avenue Resource Center, 3513 East Portland Avenue.
Opening its doors for the first time this summer, youth at the lab created animated characters, explored wind power and rocketry, took photos, and made PowerPoint presentations. Free after school activities began last week with students from nearby schools, including First Creek Middle School, Blix Elementary School, and Lister Elementary School. Fourth and fifth grades are on Mondays from 4:00-6:00 PM. Ninth to twelfth grades are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-4:30 PM. Sixth to eighth grades are on Tuesday and Thursdays from 4:30-6:30 PM. Activities include digital photography and storytelling, film making, and animation. Contact Jennifer Johnson at 253-798-7160 to register.
“When youth are given the freedom to explore their own ideas in a safe, caring environment the possibilities are limitless!” WSU Educator Jennifer Johnson commented. “It’s amazing to watch the transformation. Youth create their own community and take pride and ownership in their work.” Johnson coordinates and teaches the summer and afterschool programs.
The goal of the grant is to create opportunities for youth to learn more about technology and practice life skills such as communication and teamwork. Fifteen students were asked how they thought they used certain life skills before and after the summer program. All of them showed an increase in their abilities to use decision making, leadership, and communication skills.
When asked about the most important thing they learned at camp, students answered:
“How to work together”
“I learned about different ways that technology can help you.”
“Friendship Skills”
“That wind can make power and electricity”
“I learned how rocket science works.”
4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. In Pierce County, 900 youth take part in 4-H community club programs.
For more information about the Afterschool Techology Lab contact:
Jennifer Johnson 253-798-7160.
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