Providing access to resources, skills, and mentoring to youths worldwide
The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network is a successful model that uses technology
creatively to enable youth in underserved communities to acquire the tools, problem
solving skills and confidence to be successful. This after-school program provides
a learning environment where young people explore their own interests and become
confident learners through the use of technology. The Clubhouse program is guided
by four principles:
Support learning through design experiences
Help youth build on their own interests
Cultivate an "emergent community" of learners
Create an environment of respect and trust
The Computer Clubhouse* fills an important need
Young people from low-income neighborhoods often lack access to the resources and
opportunities they need to prepare for today's workplace. At the same time, precious
talent is going to waste. Gifted students, particularly from low-income neighborhoods,
are generally bored and unchallenged in school. In addition, after-school discretionary
hours, which account for more than 40% of young people's waking hours, are being
wasted. The options most adolescents have are either unproductive (watching TV,
playing video games, hanging out in malls) or destructive (drugs, crime, and gangs).
Recent studies show that most adolescents would prefer to spend more time interacting
with adults, and that personal interaction with adult professionals is one of the
most important factors in determining what job or career path a young person will
pursue. In response to this need, the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network provides
a creative and safe after-school learning environment where young people can work
with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, develop skills, and build self confidence
through the use of technology.
"Beyond access"
The philosophy of the Computer Clubhouse program is "beyond access." The community-based
organizations which are selected to host a Computer Clubhouse are provided with
assistance and resources to set up a technology center, as well as extensive training
on how to operate an effective technology learning program. The goal of the Clubhouse
program is to inspire youth to develop their personal interests through the use
of technology.
Staff are trained to involve youth in projects such as creating computer-generated
art, music, and video; designing animations; building kinetic sculptures and robots;
and developing Web pages. The Computer Clubhouse provides an environment where Clubhouse
members not only learn to be effective users of technology, but also learn to be
designers and creators of technology.
The Computer Clubhouse program enables youth to develop technical fluency that can
be used in a variety of jobs and industries. Clubhouse members get experience working
on high-end professional hardware and software and are encouraged to apply their
skills in real-world employment settings. The Clubhouse-to-College/Clubhouse-to-Career
component exposes youth to academic and career opportunities, and supports young
people in preparing for higher education and jobs. Part of the Clubhouse program
is to work with sponsors and other companies and organizations to provide mentors
and internships for Clubhouse members.
