Encouraging Inclusion and Nurturing Leadership Among Student Tech Teams
In several schools within the Allentown School District, student tech teams are becoming a valuable resource for both students and educators. The Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Program, a collaboration between Verizon and Digital Promise, is at the heart of this initiative.
This programme, applied at Bridgeview Academy, Harrison-Morton Middle School, Raub Middle School, South Mountain Middle School, Trexler Middle School, and other schools, equips every student and teacher with internet-connected devices and internet access, along with student technical support teams for the 2025-2026 school year.
One such student is Tra Gaston, an eighth-grader at Crawford W. Long Middle School. Tra, who is described as a "tinkerer," has a passion for fixing tech devices. His journey into tech support began with learning how to hard reset devices from his father.
Tra is part of the student tech team, which serves as a safe space for students, away from pressures and stressors. Renee Dawson, the education technology specialist, oversees the team and becomes a safe space for students in the building.
For Tra, Renee's office is a familiar place, often visiting when he needs to reset himself. Other students, who may struggle with shyness, also find comfort in this environment. In fact, one student on the team has been identified as being on the autism spectrum.
The student tech team provides an opportunity for students who haven't found their niche in other areas of the school. For Tra, participating in the programme is rewarding, and he learns something new every time they work on tasks.
The programme aims to provide students with on-the-job training, preparing them for potential careers in technology. Tra's advice for those thinking about starting a program or joining a team is simple: "If they're interested, come on!"
Educators interested in starting their own tech team can find tips and more information about the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Program. With the growing need for tech support in schools, these student tech teams are becoming increasingly important for maintaining a smooth and efficient learning environment.
Read also:
- Dual-function mattress offers both cooling and coziness at an affordable price.
- Top-Notch Weed Killers for Fences in 2025: Efficient Boundary Management Solutions for a Clean Fence Line
- Altruistic zeal and a drive to instigate beneficial transformation
- Is it secure for individuals with dementia to consume ice cream?
