Youth for Technology Foundation introduces Circuit Crawler

A group of students in California decided that they could harness their experience at a quality, technology focused high school and leverage their privilege to make a global impact. The students developed a game to sell on the Android market called Circuit Crawler, with all the profits going straight to Youth for Technology.  It’s an inspiring parallel to see played out: 2 groups of youth are getting an invaluable education through technology; one as the developer and one as the consumer.  I won’t go as far to say unprecedented (and would love to see other examples of this happening across the world!), but I am thrilled about this collaboration. (In case you are wondering why I am so thrilled, I've been YTF's Communications Lead since last Fall. Such a great organization to work with!)

Youth for Technology Foundation is about people first. Where appropriate, they use technology as a tool to help disadvantaged youth bridge social and economic obstacles.  YTF works across Africa and the United States to “bridge the digital canyon.” This year, not only is YTF providing opportunities for youth around the world to access technology, it is providing a platform for invention and development in high school classrooms. 

So, here comes the plug: If not for anything but the support of education through technology, BUY THE GAME!  Only if you have an Android phone.  And only if you care about children.  And the world.  Don’t care about any of that? Don’t rock the ‘droid operating system?  You have an even better job: spread the word. It takes one minute, and I’ll even make it brainless:

Circuit Crawler Social Toolbox

Tweet:

Support @YouthforTech and check out Circuit Crawler on the Android Market! http://t.co/Fc09ITY

Facebook post:

Help Youth for Technology Foundation reach their goal of positively impacting over 300,000 youth across 10 developing world countries through YTF’s programs :: High school students in California developed a game for the Android Market called Circuit Crawler, giving all the proceeds to Youth for Technology Foundation. Check out Circuit Crawler on the Android Market! http://t.co/Fc09ITY

Family and Civic Engagement Plans

Do you know a teacher/administrator in a school district in Central Ohio that are looking for ways to fulfill the school's Family and Civic Engagement Plan requirements?  

Here is an over of what the House Bill says for schools:

HB 1 establishes family and civic engagement requirements for Ohio’s schools, families and communities. Together, schools, families and communities work to ensure all children have supports needed to graduate from high school prepared for additional educational experiences, the workforce and a healthy life style. Ohio’s goal is to have high-performing family and civic engagement teams and county family and children first councils that effectively and systematically connect all children, youth and families in need to school and community-based services and programs.

The Benefit Bank is actually a perfect tool for schools to use to support their students and families.  Coordinators don't even have to create a work plan for implementation, as Benefit Bank administrators already created a Template based on District Comprehensive Continuous Improvement Plan (CCIP) that your school can use.

You can check out this webinar the Ohio Department of Education posted about the Benefit Bank as a suggestion for school districts: 

http://education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?Page=3&TopicRelationID=428&Content=88803