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Doug Stites: Computer skills valuable across sectors
April 21, 2013
LANSING - In a world dominated by the Internet, computers and mobile devices, it’s hard to point to anything in our lives that isn’t directly influenced by technology.
But there’s still a large percentage of the population that doesn’t have basic computer literacy. These are the people who usually find themselves at a real disadvantage when it comes to competing for jobs in a 21st century workforce.
As the greater Lansing area continues the transformation toward a knowledge-based economy, there will continue to be a higher premium placed on skilled workers across all employers and occupations, including sectors such as manufacturing and retail that haven’t historically required their workforces to demonstrate basic computer proficiency.
The basic computer skills needed on the job are also critical to the job search process, since more and more companies only offer an online application process.
However, for those individuals who may already have other barriers to employment, the most basic computer skills may still seem like too large of an obstacle to overcome. That is where initiatives like the Everyday Digital program through Lansing’s Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC) could prove to be valuable.
ITEC Everyday Digital technology training courses are aimed at novice computer users. These shorter-term training programs are designed to support underemployed and unemployed workers by helping them acquire the basic computer skills needed to compete for 21st century jobs while developing a greater sense of confidence and capability for living in today’s increasingly technology-dependent world.
ITEC Everyday Digital courses cover a variety of topics including basic computer security, online banking, social networking and the Microsoft Office software used by many businesses.
If you need additional skills to secure better employment opportunities or think of yourself as a novice computer user, Everyday Digital could be for you. A new set of classes will begin the week of May 13.
For more information about ITEC Everyday Digital or to register for upcoming classes please contact ITEC Lansing at (517) 708-4392 or visit iteclansing.org.
Lansing State Journal – Doug Stites: Computer skills valuable across sectors
The Information Technology Empowerment Center
April 1, 2013
Information Technology Empowerment Center, better known as ITEC, provides students and adults with the opportunity to build their technological skills. Since 2008, ITEC has been opening eyes to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“ITEC develops local talent through skill building,” says Kirk Riley, executive director at ITEC.
ITEC offers a handful of programs for students. ITEC’s latest accomplishment, iMath Tutoring Program, is an adaptive web-based tutoring program. The program assesses the student’s math level and then adapts to fit the needs of the student. A one-on-one tutor is also available for assistance. In addition, students can attend after-school classes such as Lego robotics, science and art of game design, digital media arts and SCRATCH.
“After ITEC programs, kids go back to their classrooms with a new way of learning. They have more motivation and interest to learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Riley explains. “These programs build relationships with kids and empower them to achieve academic and career success.”
Adults also have the ability to attend ITEC programs. ITEC offers an Everyday Digital Program for adults. This five week program provides adults with basic computer knowledge. For adults who have taken the Everyday Digital class or have a strong knowledge of computers, ITEC Upgrades is offered. ITEC Upgrades allows adults to gain expertise with the Internet, Facebook, LinkedIn, Gmail and much more.
ITEC programs are available throughout the city of Lansing. The Foster Community Center, the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of Lansing are just a few of the places science, technology, engineering and mathematics can be discovered.
“ITEC would not be possible without its community partners and donors such as Michigan State University, TechSmith, Dewpoint, the Lansing School District, former Mayor David Hollister, and many, many more,” praises Riley.
For more information about the Information Technology Empowerment Center, or how to make a donation or volunteer visit, www.iteclansing.org.
Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine : The Information Technology Empowerment Center Feature
Community Partners Join Together to Empower Lansing Students
January 31, 2013
LANSING—Helping Lansing’s students improve their math scores just got a little easier, thanks to a partnership between the Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC) and the Jackson National Life Insurance Company Community Fund. A $20,000 grant from Jackson National Community Fund will provide funding support for ITEC iMath, an inventive after-school tutoring program that combines computers and real people to get results.
“iMath places innovation right in the classroom,” said Kirk Riley, ITEC’s Executive Director. “We empower students to grow academically, and our community benefits along with them. We’re stronger together.”
The ITEC iMath program builds both student abilities and attitudes toward math. Students use a web-based program that adapts to the student, always presenting a challenge in a fun and engaging way. iMath keeps today’s media-savvy student engaged in learning. Pre- and post-assessments enable ITEC and Lansing schools to understand student progress. iMath began in the fall of 2012, and tutors have seen students’ grade levels, on average, progress by two months after six hours of contact time.
“We’re pleased to support ITEC, whose work enriches Lansing student’s education with more opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and math,” shared Danielle Robinson, Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist at Jackson National.
Jackson National Life Insurance Company is a retirement services provider committed to contributing to the social and economic well-being of their communities. The Jackson National Community Fund invests in community enrichment programs, institutions of higher learning and charitable organizations, with a particular focus on organizations, programs and events dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and the elderly.
Additional community partners join Jackson National Community Fund in supporting ITEC iMath in January too: Hungry Howie’s of Lansing provides a monthly iMath pizza party to reward students with perfect attendance, and Dean Transportation of Lansing donates safe, reliable bus transportation for students after the program.
CBS Detroit: Community Partners Join To Empower Lansing Students
Lansing State Journal: People News: Math program gets $20,000 grant
Capital Gains: Empowering our youth through computer science
Adult Graduates Overcome Computer Challenges with ITEC
February 20, 2013
LANSING, MI –Lansing residents continue to become more computer savvy with the help of the Information Technology Empowerment Center’s Everyday Digital Adult computer classes. The newest 63 Lansing resident Everyday Digital graduates will be recognized in front of their peers, family and friends for their achievements with a commemorative dinner at the Foster Community Center, provided by ITEC.
ITEC’s Everyday Digital graduates have overcome challenges to complete their class, and ITEC is excited to celebrate their achievements with others.
“We are very proud of what our students have overcome and excited to celebrate their accomplishments” shared ITEC Everyday Digital Instructor, Donna Satterlee. “Their new skills make connecting with family, completing projects in the workplace and applying for jobs easier.”
ITEC’s Everyday Digital classes assist Lansing-area adults to build the computer skills they need to compete in the job market and enjoy the everyday pleasures and conveniences of computer use. These courses are designed for beginning and intermediate computer users, in a comfortable, welcoming classroom environment for people of all backgrounds and ability levels. With a flexible curriculum that is always relevant to students’ personal goals, ITEC strives to make sure Greater Lansing gets the most out of their computers.
Everyday Digital is offered mornings or evenings at Foster Community Center and the Oak Park YMCA. The ITEC computer lab holds open lab times five days a week to give students a chance to practice their skills and finish assignments. ITEC Everyday Digital classes are offered at a low cost based upon income, with students paying from $25 to $100 for 20-plus hours of instruction.
For more information regarding Everyday Digital classes, please contact Marshall Thomas by e-mail at marshall@iteclansing.org or by phone at 517-708-4392, or visit the ITEC website at http://www.iteclansing.org/programs/everyday-digital/.
Executive Director Kirk Riley on Michigan Business Network Radio
February 18, 2013
Kirk joins hosts Mike Maddox and Matt Kolberg to discuss ITEC’s mission, philosophy, programs, and more.
Click here to listen to the interview.
ITEC launches Lansing’s first STEM Week, iMath Program
November 26, 2012
LANSING, MI – The new three R’s are spelled S-T-E-M. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math, and the Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC) is partnering with more than a dozen community groups to kick off Lansing’s first STEM Week, November 26-30. Designed to explore STEM in our community, this week shines a light on why STEM is a big deal for children and adults alike.
On Monday, November 26, 2012, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and the City of Lansing join ITEC and partners to kick off STEM Week at the ITEC headquarters in the Foster Community Center at 2 p.m.
ITEC also kicks off ITEC iMath, a new program for after-school math tutoring and education that combines innovative online programming with in-person, one-on-one support. Starting November 26, Sheridan Road Elementary and Lewton Elementary students in grades 4-6 will pilot this new after-school program designed to help students learn math concepts faster and easier.
“This after-school program provides a unique mix of in-person tutoring and computer support, with software that constantly adapts itself to challenge a student’s ability,” shared Kirk Riley, ITEC Executive Director. “Whether students are below, at or above their grade level, ITEC iMath increases math exposure and proficiency, and makes learning fun.”
Throughout the week, ITEC invites the Lansing community to take a closer look at STEM, with open-to-the-public events and updates focused on raising STEM awareness in Greater Lansing. Areas of exploration include women in STEM, investment, economy and employment, talent retention and college readiness.
STEM Week Schedule
- Mon, Nov 26: Stem Week Kickoff and news conference. Join ITEC, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and the City of Lansing, and community partners to kick off STEM Week, and unveil ITEC’s innovative new iMath program at the ITEC headquarters. 2 p.m. at Foster Community Center (200 N Foster Ave, Lansing)
- Tues, Nov 27: ITEC releases updated course schedules for K-12 students and adults. Course schedule listed online at www.iteclansing.org/programs
- Wed, Nov 28: Celebrate Five Years of Learning and Innovation. ITEC’s annual event features refreshments, robot demonstrations, and comments from ITEC partners: Lou Anna Simon, Ph.D. – President of Michigan State University, Paula Cunningham, President and CEO of Capital National Bank, Thomas Bres, Chief Information Officer of Sparrow Health Systems. 5:00 p.m. at the University Club of MSU
- Thu, Nov 29: Capital Gains Speaker Series. Inside The STEM Studio -ITEC and Capital Gains magazine speak with innovative women who use STEM in global networking, saving threatened animal species, teaching future programmers and more in their ongoing community speaker series. 5:30 p.m. at Dublin Square Irish Pub in East Lansing
- Fri, Nov 30: Capital Area IT Council Tech Tour, Regional Toast to Technology. The Capital Area IT Council presents local business Tech Tours for college students during the day. In the evening, ITEC joins the Michigan Technology Network, the Capital Area IT Council, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, Netvantage Marketing and TechSmith for a STEM Week Regional Toast to Technology. Open to the public, this networking event caps STEM Week. 5:30 p.m. MBC (Michigan Brewing Company/Midtown Beer Company) in downtown Lansing
CBS Detroit: Lansing Sets STEM Week Celebration
Lansing State Journal, Doug Stites: Week highlights much-needed job skills
Local Detroit: Lansing Sets STEM Week Celebration
Celebrating Learning and Innovation: ITEC’s Fifth Anniversary Event
November 19, 2012
Join us in celebrating five years of education, community, and fun! On Wednesday, November 28th at MSU’s University Club, ITEC will host our Celebrating Learning and Innovation event, and you’re invited! Members of our robotics class will be on hand to show off their creations, and several insightful speakers will share their experience with ITEC. You’ll hear from MSU President Lou Ann Simon, Capital National Bank CEO Paula Cunningham, and Sparrow Health Systems CIO Thomas Bres, and have the chance to mingle with other Lansingites committed to making a difference. Call us at (517) 708-4392 for more information, or RSVP today.
Michigan Business Network shared the following excerpts from our 5th Anniversary event. You can
find each excerpt below:
ITEC Executive Director Kirk Riley, followed by President LouAnna Simon
The video presentation portion
Sparrow Health System CIO Thomas Bres
Capital National Bank CEO Paula Cunningham
New faces at the ITEC Office bring new skills and perspective to Lansing tech empowerment efforts
November 19, 2012
LANSING— Two new members have been added to the Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC) team, to help grow local students’ excitement for science, technology, engineering and math.
Hailing from Ann Arbor, Marshall Thomas serves as the new Program Manager for ITEC’s Everyday Digital adult computer classes as well as the Team Leader in ITEC’s new iMath initiative at Sheridan Road Elementary School. Thomas graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in New York, where he double majored in French and Creative Writing. Thomas’ background includes coordinating adult computer education programs at Columbia University and elementary literacy tutoring.
“It’s exciting to coordinate a computer education program like Everyday Digital and to help students get the most out of today’s technologies” said Thomas, “This is a great resource for the Lansing community.”
A new Marketing and Public Relations Intern, Cassondra Martyn, joins ITEC’s team as well. Martyn coordinates communications through social media, press releases, and web content to promote and create awareness of ITEC programs. Martyn received her Master’s degree in Public Relations from Michigan State University and brings public relations and communications experience from prior positions with Michigan Works and the Aitch Foundation.
“Science, technology, engineering and math are critical components in everyday lives, I feel it’s very important that Lansing residents know about all the educational and professional opportunities ITEC offers” said Martyn.
Insurance Company Fires Up Lansing Tech Education With Grant
October 22, 2012
Two local organizations are teaming up to make a measurable impact in the interest of local middle school students. A grant provided by the Jackson National Community Fund will help support ITEC’s K-12 educational programs focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math skills.
The $10,000 grant from Jackson National Life Insurance Company will provide funding for The ITEC Pathways project, which aims to serve 1,350 students in the greater Lansing area.
“This grant from Jackson National Life Insurance and their ongoing support allows ITEC to fulfill its mission” said ITEC’s Executive Director, Kirk Riley, “we are able to continue providing Lansing-area residents with resources and knowledge to improve their performance and ability to compete in a fast-paced global economy.”
Headquartered at the Foster Community Center in Lansing, ITEC works in classrooms around the community to offer students a stimulating hands-on environment to develop skills, increase educational performance, and foster confidence in their abilities. After school classes and summer camps cover topics such as Lego Robotics, Science of Game Design, Scratch Programming, Digital Media Arts, CS Unplugged, Geocaching and Water Quality.
“We’re pleased to support ITEC, whose work enriches Lansing students with science, technology, engineering and math,” said Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist, Danielle Robinson.
Jackson National Life Insurance Company is a retirement services provider committed to contributing to the social and economic well-being of their communities. The Jackson National Community Fund invests in community enrichment programs, institutions of higher learning and charitable organizations, with a particular focus on organizations, programs and events dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and the elderly.
CBS Detroit published an article on ITEC’s recent $10,000 grant from Jackson National Community Fund. To view the publication in full please see the link below.
Insurance Company Fires Up Lansing Tech Education With Grant « CBS Detroit
CBS Detroit promotes ITEC’s newest program and recent grant award
July 20, 2012
CBS Detroit published an article on ITEC Upgrades classes and ITEC’s recent $45,000 grant from the Dart Foundation. To view the publication in full please see the link below.
ITEC Upgrading Lansing’s Adult, Youth Computer Skills – CBS Detroit 7.13.12 (PDF)
ITEC Staff make an appearance in the Greater Lansing Business Monthly and Lansing State Journal
July 18, 2012
The Lansing State Journal and Greater Lansing Business Monthly recently published articles about ITEC’s latest additions to its family. To view the articles please click the links below.
Lansing State Journal – June 17, 2012 (PDF)
Greater Lansing Business Monthly – July 2012 (PDF)
Coming Together to Prepare Future Scientists
July 13, 2012
Growing Lansing’s technology workforce just became a little easier, thanks to a community partnership between the Dart Foundation and the Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC). A new grant supports ITEC’s work to help Lansing area children become the next great scientists, doctors and engineers.
The grant awarded to ITEC from the Dart Foundation will be used to grow the ITEC Pathways: Building Tomorrow’s Scientists and Engineers project. ITEC will receive a total of $45,000 with three payments of $15,000 starting in 2012 and ending in 2014.
The ITEC Pathways project aims to serve 1,350 students at an average of 20 hours of instruction per student through its afterschool classes and summer camps, working to increase positive attitudes and perceptions toward science and math. The program also builds demonstrable IT and STEM skills and 21st century learning skills like creative problem solving, teamwork, communication, creativity and experimentation.
“We are proud and thrilled to receive ongoing support from the Dart Foundation,” said ITEC’s Executive Director, Kirk Riley, “This grant allows ITEC to help inspire the budding engineers, programmers and scientists of tomorrow in the Lansing community.”
The William A. and Claire T. Dart Foundation aims to support youth education programs particularly those focused in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. With its headquarters being located in Mason, Michigan since 1984, the foundation focuses on providing philanthropy to the mid-Michigan area especially in the Capital Region.
Upgrading Greater Lansing’s Computer Skills
July 13, 2012
In a world full of tweets, pings, gizmos, and gadgets, it can be difficult to keep up with new programs, platforms and tech devices. The Information Technology Empowerment Center’s (ITEC) newest program, ITEC Upgrades, combats that overwhelming feeling by providing two-hour adult classes to help update the Lansing community on digital trends and increase computer skills.
“The computer opens up a world of opportunities and we want to make sure Lansing residents are not left in the dark,” said Sarah Szwejda, ITEC’s Manager of Adult Education. “ITEC Upgrades provide exposure to technology and applications that can offer new skills and enhance everyday life.”
ITEC Upgrades include four new classes to enhance computer skills and increase efficiency in work and play, and are offered multiple times each month for convenience. Courses offered in July and August include:
LinkedIn 101 helps students set up profiles and learn how to grow their online professional network.
Learning the Keys and Navigating the Mouse allows students to learn how to type more efficiently and control the computer more effectively by increasing mouse-use skills.
Becoming an Explorer of the World Wide Web teaches students how to explore safely, and discover much of what the World Wide Web has to offer.
Saving Your Memories in a Digital World is perfect for shutterbugs in the Lansing area, providing instruction on how to upload, save, manage and share photos from different electronic devices.
Making the Most of Your Gmail Account helps current Gmail users to explore the unique features of the popular e-mail client and increase their future productivity.
ITEC Upgrades classes are free at the Foster Community Center, scheduled multiple times each month once on both weeknights and weekends. Space is limited, so interested students are asked to register early.
ITEC Summer Camps in the Lansing State Journal
June 26, 2012
Lansing State Journal published an article about an ITEC Lego Robotics summer camp at St. Stephens Church. The article discusses what the children learn and how ITEC helps. To view the full article with photos, please click the link below.
Lansing Summer Campers Learn Robotics with Legos (PDF)
Talking about Closing the Digital Gap with the Michigan Business Network
June 14, 2012
ITEC’s Executive Director, Kirk Riley, recently sat down with Julie Mann from the Michigan Business Network talking on her program “Talking about People” to discuss ITEC and its programs.
“Talking about People” discusses trends and issues that involve the workplace which makes for great conversation in talking about ITEC’s mission to bridge the digital divide. Kirk and Julie discussed how important technology is in today’s workplace and how ITEC is developing and nurturing the talent to fill roles in technology through both the Everyday Digital adult education program and youth programs. The two also went on to discuss the Lansing Promise including what it entails and current news about the program.
Want to hear the show for yourself? Listen to each segment of the radio program using the links listed below.
Talking about People S1 (Overview of ITEC and its mission)
Talking about People S2 (Discussion about youth and ITEC’s youth programs)
Talking about People S3 (Discussion about finding the right talent and ITEC’s adult programs)
Talking about People S4 (Further discussion about ITEC’s adult programs and technology in the workplace)
Talking about People S5 (Discussion about Lansing Promise and how ITEC can fit in that picture)
Talking about People S6 (Discussion about the knowledge economy and the importance of basic IT skills)
New Faces Help Provide Tech Empowerment in Lansing
June 6, 2012
Just like technology, there is a time to update and upgrade and change is always inevitable. The Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC) proudly welcomes aboard seven new faces to its team to help develop technological empowerment and excitement for science, technology, engineering and math in the Greater Lansing community.
Serving as the Manager of Adult Education is Sarah Szwejda from Lansing, Michigan. Besides managing the Everyday Digital and other adult education classes, her responsibilities include community engagement and outreach to grow class attendance and increase awareness about ITEC. Szwejda received her Bachelor of Arts degree in public policy with a cognate in psychology from Michigan State University. Szwejda has extensive experience with non-profits, including substance abuse prevention and long-term care.
“I was excited about the opportunity to help adults tackle the digital age,” said Szwejda. “I’m honored to be part of an organization that has such great roots in Lansing and is so community-focused, since this is my hometown.”
Cathy Post, ITEC’s new K-12 Education Program Manager, recruits teachers and students for after-school classes and summer camps, coordinates ITEC’s partner locations, and oversees the administrative duties around the ITEC office. Post calls Holt, Michigan home and has served the Lansing non-profit community for many years. After earning an Associate Degree in accounting from Lansing Community College, she worked for the Greater Lansing Food Bank for more than 12 years and the Michigan Quality Community Care Council for more than five years.
“I’m always excited by the forward-thinking nature of ITEC. To work with kids in an effort to spark their interest in science, technology, engineering and math is a truly noble cause,” said Post.
Jenna Stretanski joins ITEC as its new Marketing and Public Relations Intern. Stretanski works with ITEC’s partners, donors and publics, manages ITEC’s social media networks and website, and assists in writing grant proposals. Stretanski holds dual degrees from Michigan State University in hospitality business and communications, with a specialization in public relations. Stretanski’s focused on marketing, public relations and event planning in her previous position with The James B. Henry Center for Executive Development.
“When I heard about ITEC, I wanted to be a part of their mission,” said Stretanski. “The need for STEM education is so important in today’s world, and I’m excited to help the residents of Lansing get the education they need and deserve.”
New ITEC board member, Dominic Carbone brings more than 35 years of experience in business in many capacities including sales, sales management, start-ups and more. Born and raised in Detroit, Carbone is the owner of four Hungry Howie’s Pizza stores in Lansing and East Lansing, and is the founder of Business for Kids, an initiative created to help children in need get quality medical care. Carbone also serves on the boards of the Sparrow Foundation, LEAF (Lansing Education Advancement Foundation), and the Lansing Promise Foundation.
ITEC welcomes Andrea Ragan to its Board of Directors. Ragan is the Executive Director of the Capital Area IT Council, responsible for providing resources to IT employers in the Greater Lansing area such as networking capabilities and understanding of industry trends and initiatives. Prior to joining the council, Ragan was the Talent Retention & District Development Director for the Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC). With a Bachelor’s degree in Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies at Michigan State University, Ragan’s extensive ties to the emerging professional community help ITEC develop young talent in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
Another new face on ITEC’s board is Nicole Johnson. Originally from Plano, Texas, Johnson is the Technical Marketing Engineer with Cisco Systems. Johnson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Computer Information Systems and a Master’s degree in Information Technology from the University of North Texas. As President of the Michigan Technology Network and adjunct professor of Media, Art and Information Technology at Lansing Community College, Johnson is extremely dedicated to her craft and works extensively to educate others in the Information Technology field. Johnson’s passion, drive and enthusiasm for technology, teaching and community involvement are a valuable addition to ITEC’s team.
Finally, ITEC welcomes Greg Jones, an AmeriCorps member of the Power of We Consortium, who will be serving as a Healthy Living Educator. Working with ITEC’s partner, the Cristo Rey Community Center, Jones uses applied science to develop healthy and active lifestyles in North Lansing children. Jones looks forward to finding unique and innovative ways to integrate technology with nutrition and exercise.
ITEC Hosts Open House Featuring Summer Camps, Robots, and Ice Cream
May 10, 2012
Summer is right around the corner in Lansing which means time to enjoy delicious treats and fun adventures. To kick off the summer season, ITEC will open their doors for parents to register their kids for technology-based summer camps, witness live robot demonstrations built by current ITEC students, tour the new office and computer labs, and socialize over ice cream.
The Open House and Ice Cream Social will take place on Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Foster Community Center. All residents of Lansing’s Eastside Neighborhoods are invited to attend and learn more about opportunities for children and adults to acquire school and workplace tech skills through either a summer camp or ITEC’s Everyday Digital program.
For middle school students, ITEC offers summer camps that focus on lego robotics, digital media, or game design. Students explore and learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and also grow 21st century learning skills, like creativity communication, computer proficiency, and problem solving skills, needed to succeed in higher education and in a career.
For adults, ITEC’s Everyday Digital program helps students learn a range of computer skills from the basics of turning on a computer and web browsing to workplace skills, like understanding and increasing proficiency in Microsoft office.
We hope to see everyone at Foster Community Center, 200 North Foster Avenue, Lansing, MI, on Thursday, May 17.
ITEC Announces 2012 Summer Camp Lineup
May 10, 2012
With the end of the K-12 school year quickly approaching, ITEC has been busy preparing for its 2012 summer camp season. ITEC camps cater to Lansing’s future astronauts, engineers, programmers, and recording artists through fun and educating programs. The summer camps create a passion in kids about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with entertaining and engaging subjects like robotics, digital movie-making and photography, and video game design.
During the Lego Robotics camp, kids build, program, and control their own robots while learning engineering, and technology skills. With some creativity and programming, kids can create their own interactive stories, games, music, and art through the SCRATCH summer camps. Campers also learn the science behind one of their favorite pastimes by creating their own video game through the game design camp. For lovers of creative entertainment, Digital Media camps allow kids to create their own works of art using digital movie-making and photography skills.
The summer camps are offered around the Greater Lansing area including St. Stephens Church, LCC East Campus, Oak Park YMCA, and Westside YMCA. The classes are available as one-hour, two-hour or three-hour sessions during the week, starting June 11, 2012 and ending August 24, 2012.
For more information on a 2012 summer camp, please call Cathy Post at (517) 708-4394 or e-mail her at cathy@iteclansing.org.
Robots invade TEDxLansing
April 16, 2012
At an event where ideas were meant to spread like wildfire, student-built robots caught the attention of local Lansing enthusiasts. On April 13, 2012, ITEC staff attended TEDxLansing, an event where people gather for deep discussion and sharing of ideas to help grow personally, professionally and as a community. Many staff members joined in the discussion while others manned the robot exhibit in the lobby.
The exhibit contained five fully functioning robots with some androids being interactive. The bots were programed to spin, light up and two robots even resembled the older video games Pong and Space Invaders.
TEDx Lansing attendees from around the Greater Lansing community visited the booth during their break and became amazed to learn that middle school students had not only built, but programmed the robots. Jenna Stretanski, ITEC’s Marketing and Public Relations Intern, had the chance to speak with some of the attendees and discuss ITEC’s K-12 after school programs.
“Many of the people were awestruck to think that middle school students could produce such an advanced project. It was fantastic to see the community interacting with and responding so positively to the student’s work,” said Stretanski.
TEDxLansing was a great success, and ITEC is looking forward to participating in more Lansing area events in the future.
Everyday Digital March Graduation a Success!
March 20, 2012
Graduation reminds us of the importance of education and professional growth. It shows us the courage needed to take on a new challenge and conquer it. For dozens of graduates of ITEC’s Everyday Digital program, graduation is a time to celebrate and reflect on personal accomplishments.
The Everyday Digital graduation was held on March 16, 2012 at the Foster Community Center. Representatives from ITEC, Capital Area Michigan Works, and Liquid Web were in attendance to congratulate and recognize graduates and to discuss the importance of strong community partnerships.
Instructors and students from classes even shared words of encouragement to the graduates. One instructor Judy Schulman brought out emotions in the attendees through a moving and thoughtful speech.
“For those of you who think it [using a computer] is not that hard, let me mail you a box full of bike parts without any information that it is a bike and tell you to make it work right away. You will find out it’s very hard,” spoke Schulman in regards to the necessity of classes.
Graduates who took all four classes in the Everyday Digital program received brand new computers courtesy of the generosity of Liquid Web. Many of the other graduates will be on their way to achieving their own computer in the coming months.
ITEC takes pride in all of the graduates and cannot wait to graduate more students in the future and not only provide them with their own computer but a sense of technological empowerment.
