IST researchers, community group partner to teach computer skills to youths

IST researchers, community group partner to teach computer skills to youths

University Park, Pa. -- An inner-city community development corporation has won a grant that will launch a summer computer camp for teens in Harrisburg to be taught in part by Penn State researchers using curriculum of the School of Information Sciences and Technology (IST).

Dr. Lynette Kvasny, assistant professor of IST and co-author of the grant, plans to use online materials from the IST 110 course, "Introduction to Information Sciences and Technology," with the teens attending Antioch Inc.'s 10-week "Camp Enlightenment." A non-profit, Antioch Inc. provides computer access and technology to low-income residents to enhance their academic and social skills so as to improve opportunities.

Located in Harrisburg, the camp is expected to draw around 50 middle and high school youths in June, said Huston Williams Jr., project director of Antioch Inc.

"We want kids to know how to rip apart a machine and put it back together, learn website development and research skills, and understand databases, so they can market their talents and technology abilities to help their community," said Kvasny who plans to be at the co-ed camp at least once a week throughout the summer.

The grant from Oracle Corporation's Help Us Help Foundation includes more than $11,000 in hardware, software and services. In its grant, Antioch stressed the lab will be used first for youth programs, but adults will have an opportunity to use the #15-computer facility as well.

"We have a vision to effect social change and be a resource for overcoming adversity, poverty and ignorance," said Clarice Chambers, Antioch CEO. "Penn State has the resources to help us and other communities. This connection with Penn State gives us a link to build up our resources and do things we wouldn't normally be able to."

Kvasny and two IST doctoral students, Roderick Lee and Ivanna Terrell, will help with curriculum development and delivery and evaluation research. While the camp will teach technology training and education, the Penn State researcher hopes the lab also will become a centerpiece for the community.

"When we talk about low-income communities, we often talk about their pathologies," she said. "We want to assess those communities' resources and strengths and build on them."

The camp is open to all children ages 5 through 16, and will run from June 9 to Aug. 15. For more information or applications, contact Mr. Williams at 717-233-8231. Pre-registration is scheduled May 5 and 11 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and May 6 and 12 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the church.