The Principles The Clubhouse is guided by four principles: Principle 1: Support learning through design experiences Principle 2: Help youth build on their own interests Principle 3: Cultivate "emergent community" of learners Principle 4: Create an environment of respect and trust

Visit the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network Web site, at the Museum of Science, Boston.

The Computer Clubhouse* Fills an Important Need
Young people from low-income neighborhoods 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 work a young person will pursue. Yet young people from underserved neighborhoods have little or no interaction with adults who are engaged in professional careers. They typically do not have an adult to provide support and encourage them to build upon their talents, apply to college or pursue a fulfilling career.

Innovative applications of computers help ignite interest, involvement, and achievement. Although many of these young people are interested in learning to use computer technology, this opportunity is least available to those who could most benefit from it.

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 confidence in themselves through the use of technology. The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network supports community-based Computer Clubhouses around the world, providing thousands of Clubhouse members with access to resources, skills, and experiences to help them succeed in their careers, contribute to their communities, and lead outstanding lives.

"Beyond Access"
The philosophy of the Computer Clubhouse program is "beyond access." Community-based organizations, who are selected to host a Computer Clubhouse, are provided with assistance and resources to set up a technology center and 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; developing scientific simulations; designing animations; building kinetic sculptures and robots; developing Web pages; and programming computer games. 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.

The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network
Individual Intel Computer Clubhouses become members of and are supported by the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network, which provides ongoing training, introduction to new technologies, and opportunities for collaboration among youth and adults through Clubhouse gatherings and a virtual Clubhouse Village. Through the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network, staff and members collaborate on projects with other Computer Clubhouses around the world.