The Museum Tech Academy will provide information technology and natural science educational enrichment for 90 low-income, at-risk Springfield, Illinois students ages 12-17. Youth will be recruited from community organizations such as the Springfield Urban League, Big Brothers - Big Sisters and the Springfield Public School District.
This three-year project will provide students with career paths in science and technology through inquiry driven activities conducted at the Illinois State Museum (ISM) and field research by the Center for American Archeology (CAA) in Kampsville, IL. Museum Tech Academy will provide an environment in which students can explore areas of interest in information technology, natural sciences, archaeology, related career and college options, interact with ISM and CAA professionals and improve their skills and confidence. Youth will be engaged for a total of 436 contact hours in a three-part program: a) a year-long introductory science and IT skills program, b) a summer field experience, and c) a follow-up, year-long data analysis and presentation tools & skills development experience.
