Allentown, PA (July 26, 2016): Everything from circuits to web knowledge will be part of Geek Squad Academy for Allentown School District students participating in this summer’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program. On August 3 and 4 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., approximately 150 middle and high school students will gather at William Allen High School to enjoy being part of an interactive learning environment with the latest technology. Best Buy, sponsor of the Academy, provides the equipment for students to use and Geek Squad staff to lead the sessions.
Students will spend time in classes that cover topics like digital citizenship, digital film production, digital music production, circuits and logic, 3D design, and web know-how. During Geek Squad Academy, students will develop technology skills and will be inspired for future education and career choices. Student activities such as storyboarding and producing a film, and digital media projects bring students together through team building collaboration.
“We are truly excited to be adding the Geek Squad Academy to our summer 21st Century offerings and are grateful to Best Buy for supporting our students,” states Kimberly Walck, Director of Grants for the Allentown School District. “Through the 21st CCLC grant we are able to provide many of our students with activities that complement their academic programs and support their ability to succeed.”
The District’s 21st CCLC program is implemented in partnership with Communities In Schools, Lehigh Valley. 21st CCLC grants are competitive grants that provide federal funding to establish community learning centers during non-school hours that focus on offering academic, artistic, and cultural enrichment opportunities for students and their families. The Allentown School District currently has two 21st CCLC grant cohorts – each grant award is for three consecutive years based on continued federal funding and program performance. Throughout the year, the 21st CCLC grants provide a wide array of support programs in every grade-level for ASD students in 5 elementary schools, 4 middle schools and 2 high schools.
About Allentown School District
ASD serves more than 16,250 students in a network of 22 early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools located throughout the City of Allentown, PA. The Allentown School District is the third largest urban school district in the Commonwealth’s 500 school districts. A shared vision of the community, parents, guardians, staff and faculty focuses on “Empowering Students for Life,” providing ASD students with the skills and academics they need to realize their aspirations whether they be college, career or technical focus. ASD goals are aligned and compatible with the Pathways to Success Framework while providing a balanced education to all students. Allentown School District employs more than 2,250 teachers, staff and administrators. The District, founded in 1866, serves students from 51 countries speaking 26 languages with more than 89% of ASD households qualifying as low income. The Allentown School District is committed to providing safe learning environments in which all students have equal access to education programs and resources.
Information provided by:
Kimberly Golden Benner
Director of Communications
Allentown School District
