The WTIA has partnered with the current 6th – 8th grade students in TAF’s TechStart Program. TAF is an organization that brings technology education to students who do not have technology readily available by providing them with free after-school programs and the new TAF Academy model. The majority of these students have never used and do not have access to a computer prior to joining TAF. TAF is building a bridge across the opportunity gap and changing lives through technology education.
Students were evaluated based on their quarterly progress and engagement in a technology-rich, project-based, Science and Technology unit focused on the Internet. For their final project, each student designed a website utilizing Web 2.0 technologies. Three finalists were chosen, by a group of judges including teachers and other technology professionals.
Voting is now open for the Technology Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships. One winner will be determined by popular vote although all three students will receive a scholarship for post secondary education as well as prize packages at the event on March 4th.
Technology Leader of Tomorrow Finalists:
Geneva Damper: 6th Grade, Orca school – View Geneva’s Website
Ruby Damper: 7th Grade, Orca school – View Ruby’s Website
Surafel Techane: 6th Grade, St. Joseph school – View Surafel’s Website
Project Description: “The Internet: Past – Present – Future”
During the ten week fall term, students researched the History of the Internet and explored such topics as: Digital Citizenship, Online Security, Cyber Bullying, Search Engines & HTML.
The class focused on topics such as:
How will the Internet affect the way that we learn in the future?
How ‘free’ is the Internet?
Is the World Wide Web truly “world-wide”?
What is the future of the Internet?
After completing independent research on these questions, the teacher led the students through a series of organized debates where they defended their opinions and conclusions. For their final project, each student designed a website utilizing Web 2.0 technologies.
About Technology Access Foundation
Since 1996, Technology Access Foundation (TAF) has helped over 1,000 children develop the academic skills that are vital for success in a technology-driven global economy. Through free after-school programs and the new TAF Academy model, we are building a bridge across the opportunity gap and changing lives through technology education.
TAF's Mission
To prepare underserved children of color for higher education and professional success by providing a rigorous and relevant K-12 curriculum.
Remarkable Milestones
100% of TAF High school seniors graduate
100% of students who stayed in TAF programs through school have entered college
Over 30 TAF students have graduated college
TAF Academy
TAF Academy is a 6th-12th grade school model with a mission to prepare every student for college and for life through a rigorous and relevant Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) focused curriculum. The goal is to enlist students as active participants in their education and cultivates a keen awareness of their important role within the world. The first TAF Academy opened on September 8, 2008 in the Federal Way School District.
TechStart
TechStart is a free after-school academic enrichment program that uses technology to improve math, science and language literacy for students in grades K-8. TechStart students use technology tools in project-based learning experiences. While working on their projects, students gain valuable computer knowledge and communication skills, as well as other essential life skills such as time management, teamwork, fulfilling goals, and presenting information to audiences.
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