Partnerships

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

The growing collaboration between the Computer Clubhouse Network and BGCB plays a critical role in the Museum's Clubhouse dissemination efforts. BGCB serves nearly 7,000 members in Dorchester, Charlestown, Chelsea, Roxbury, and South Boston. For over a century BGCB has provided activities, programs, and counseling services that enable youth from disadvantaged circumstances to mature into productive, caring, and responsible adults. BGCB offers a wide spectrum of after-school programs that take place in a safe, secure environment, that both challenge and nurture youth and that give them the opportunity to interact with positive role models. BGCB recently embarked on an agency-wide Technology Initiative that has created Computer Clubhouses at each of their five Clubs, and will integrate computer learning into the Clubs by introducing Computers to the major program areas - libraries, teen centers, art rooms, social recreation areas, and gym. Beyond Four Walls will get youth engaged in science and technology in a direct, meaningful, and hands-on way. BGCB and CCN will work together to train staff and adult mentors at the Clubs and to support a corps of teens who will have the opportunity to teach as well as learn science by serving as mentors to younger Club members.
 

The Museum of Science

Boston's Museum of Science, of which the Computer Clubhouse Network is now part, shares a mission to stimulate interest in and understanding of technology and science. MOS is dedicated to attracting the broadest possible spectrum of participants and involving them in activities and programs which will encourage curiosity, questioning and exploration, and enhance a sense of personal achievement in learning. CCN is fortunate to have access to the wealth of science education experience and materials available at the Museum, and to be able to bring Beyond Four Walls participants there for field trips. The experienced staff at MOS can provide ideas, materials, and "working scientist" role models for the staff, mentors, and participants of Beyond Four Walls.

Local Universities

Professors and students at MIT and Wellesley College have a long tradition of involvement with The Computer Clubhouse, offering their time, expertise, and enthusiasm. MIT Professor Mitchel Resnick and Wellesley Physics Professor Robert Berg are serving as lead advisors for this project, as they did in BBB. With their support, we will encourage the participation of MIT and Wellesley students as mentors across a range of disciplines in Beyond Four Walls. Indeed, since youth are likely to develop scientific projects in a variety of fields (e.g., animal behavior, marine biology, environmental science, meteorology), it will be essential to attract mentors across a broad range of interests.

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