Petritz Tech Lab
Thank you to the generosity of Jeff and Pamela Cooper with The Richard Petritz Foundation, Forge Evolution is able to provide access to technology to all youth at the Forge Teen Center in the Petritz Technology Lab. Computers and technology are an integral part of the 21st century economy and it is essential that the young people in this community are able to integrate useful and applicable technology into their everyday lives. Providing access to hardware, software, and internet to all youth brings opportunities for success to this generation. 70% of youth served by Forge Evolution are from low and very low-income households. These families may not have full access to technology and computer science education.
Petritz Tech Lab
- Each student will have access to a laptop. Unlike classroom pods or clusters in the library, this technology lab will have enough devices for each student in the program at the time.
- Focused computer literacy instruction.
- Provide creative learning opportunities. The Petritz Tech Lab will provide access to programming that is non-traditional for typical technology labs and will enable the youth to do their schoolwork, provide them education and hands on practice with website design, coding, artificial intelligence, app and game design, programming, digital media, video and music editing, and 3D printing, as well as provide them continual trainings on computer basics and employment/career development skills. All of this will be delivered in a teen centric environment with applicable programs and other community resources. Additionally, the Petritz Tech Lab will provide continual trainings on computer basics and employment/career development skills.
- Provide technological opportunities to youth ages 10-19 years old. Without the generosity and commitment to today’s youth from Jeff and Pamela Cooper, Forge Evolution would not be able to provide access to technology to all youth at the Forge Teen Center.
Research
Six different studies show students who study computer science perform better in other subjects, excel at problem-solving, and are more likely to attend college. Forge Evolution’s mission is to empower youth to a brighter future. Providing technology access and computer science opportunities to youth helps create critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills. It
teaches young people how to solve issues by looking at the bigger picture.
Outcomes related to access to technology include:
60% of youth will report that they learned a new technological skill.
76% of youth will increase employability skills
75% of high school youth will use technology to create a resume or prepare for the workforce
60% of youth will report they feel motivated to use technology in a healthy manner