Programs and Classes
Uplift's programs and classes are geared towards K-12 students (ages 5-18). Our out-of-school time classes teach students about computer programming, engineering and design via mobile app development, game design, and robotics. These classes are constantly enhanced and are used to inform our learning technology.
REGISTRATION for 2012 Classes is NOW OPEN!
Classes:
Youth APPLab® (Computer programming)
- Robotics in DC® (Engineering)
Youth APPLab is an after-school program designed to teach middle and high school students how to make smartphone applications (apps). This program was a MacArthur Foundation 2010 Digital Media & Learning Competition winner and has completed one full year. We look forward to implementing a second year.
Leshell Hatley: Youth APPLab from Spotlight on Vimeo.
Robotics in DC introduces K-8 students to engineering and robotics. Students can come to our location after-school and we host classes at various schools in the District of Columbia. One of our rookie teams won 1st place in Robot Performance and 1st place in Robot Design at the 2010 VA/DC Regional First Lego League Competition. You can read more about this team from their Washington Post article on March 14, 2011.
Our 2012 session will include high school students as well.
If you are interested in hosting a robotics class at your school, please contact us now!
Programs:
Myles & Ayesha® (Learning Technology)
GirlCrew® (Website for Girls)
- The Black Scholars Index® (Website featuring Scholars from the Black Diaspora)
MYLES & AYESHA™ lead a research effort in culturally relevant learning technology. They are positioned as 'learning companions' and provide children, especially African-American children, with reflections of themselves and their ways/behaviors as they learn and grow. We believe placing them within the learning context gives children a sense of familiarity, encourages more interest and engagement, and provides them with a companion as they learn. This belief will be tested in various forms of learning technology - animation, mobile technology, interactive games and activities, as well as books and other forms of written material. Thus, making this a research and development effort. top
GirlCrew! is a web-based community designed to encourage girls to embrace their individual and collective power. This project launched in 2003 (formerly called 'Project Aiesha') and was reborn during the summer of 2011. The website is still in progress. A team of Youth APPLab girls have been working on an app and the webite, with the hope of officially launching both by Thanksgiving 2011. The site is viewable now, but please remember, construction is still in progress. top
Black Scholars Index™ (BSI) A timeless online index of Black Scholars from across the world. Black scholars are featured daily along with information about their lives, education, and their areas of work and interests. The site has been in operation since the beginning of 2008 and has won an research award and has been featured in the 2009 Digital Humanitites Conference. top