BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MUNCIE LAUNCHES MOBILE APP DESIGN PROGRAM
Now registering middle school students for APP LAB to teach kids how to design apps
MUNCIE, IN, January 5, 2016 – Boys & Girls Club of Muncie is launching a new program to teach middle school students how to design applications for mobile phones and tablets. As part of a pilot program in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Ball State University and the Verizon Foundation, students will learn first-hand how to create and design mobile apps.
The program, App Lab, is sponsored by the Verizon Foundation. It was initially created in partnership with MIT’s App Inventor Team. App Lab focuses on introducing app development to students at an age where they typically turn away from computer science (middle school), and encourages them to be content creators rather than just consumers. Additionally, the Verizon Foundation provided new laptops and tablets for hands-on learning. Ball State University has joined as a local partner in providing expertise from faculty, students and professionals. Students will meet twice a week after school at the Boys & Girls Club.
The goals for the program includes opportunities for students to learn the basic concepts of the design process, apply the design process to a problem, and practice presenting a problem and solution to an audience. In working through these things, participants are also introduced to some computer science concepts.
“We’re excited about offering this unique, but relevant, program for middle school students in our community,” said Micah Maxwell, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Club of Muncie. “Most kids and adults carry a tablet or smartphone on a regular basis. This program puts technology in the forefront of youth development in a fun and creative way.”
Registration for the program is free and open to the public. The first session, starting Tuesday, January 12th, 2016 is limited to the first 16 kids enrolled. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in middle school and have transportation to the Boys & Girls Club. For more information about the App Lab program, visit bgcmuncie.org/AppInventor or call (765) 282-4461 ext. 104.
About Boys & Girls Club of Muncie The Boys & Girls Club of Muncie was founded in 1933. Our mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential, as productive, caring and responsible citizens. We provide a safe place to learn and grow; ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals; life-enhancing programs and character development experiences; and hope and opportunity. You can learn more at www.bgcmuncie.org. For more information, please contact the Boys & Girls Club at frontdesk@bgcmuncie.org or (765) 282-4461.
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