Cyber Summit

Computer literacy and technology proficiency are essential components of a young person’s future success. Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston’s technology program ensures that teens from disadvantaged circumstances learn the skills necessary to survive in an increasingly technological world.

At BGCB’s annual CyberSummit, more than 50 youth, ages 12 to 18, are challenged to apply their technology skills to create video games, animation, robotics and other computer-generated products. CyberSummit, which convenes for two days during April school vacation week — April 24-25, 2008 at the Blue Hill Club — provides a positive, productive activity for Club members and other youth working in inter-neighborhood teams. Adult mentors and teen coaches facilitate workshops and work with the teams on projects that push their creativity to new levels and develop their technology skills. The youth use professional software and hardware and utilize their newly acquired skills to meet their assigned challenges.

Each team creates a final product in just two days, which could be a digital video documentary, a robotic display with moving parts, a digital music recording, or an interactive video game. On the afternoon of the second day CyberSummit concludes with CyberFair, a technology exhibition that provides participants with an opportunity to showcase and “market” their “products.”

Narrowing the digital divide through access to computers is just one way Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston aims to assist young people from all backgrounds to develop into effective citizens and leaders.

For details about the 2008 CyberSummit, read the press release.