MOUSE Squad Study Charts a Mighty Success
A Fordham University study has found that New York City’s elementary, middle and high school students enrolled in a technology support program excel in attendance, academics and leadership.
The three-year study, conducted within the Graduate School of Education (GSE), interviewed students who participate in the MOUSE Squad, a non-profit program that trains underserved students to function as a technical support team for their schools. MOUSE Squad students are trained to assist teachers and students who have computer questions, to fix broken computers, to update system software and to help design efficient use of technology within their own school. (MOUSE stands for Making Opportunities for Upgrading Schools and Education.)
The study, which interviewed public school faculty and students in all areas of the city, registered a 99 percent positive response for improving problem-solving skills and 91 percent for creating future job opportunities for students.
Further highlights of the study show that 87 percent of students felt that being on a MOUSE Squad improved their academic skills, while 92 percent felt it increased their desire to stay in school.
“We undertook the study because we were interested in seeing what effect participating in MOUSE had on students’ academic and cognitive growth,” said Akane Zusho, Ph.D., assistant professor of educational psychology and director of GSE’s Center for Technology in Education. “We were pleased to find that students active in MOUSE were more likely to believe that school was important, and to adopt academic goals.”
The MOUSE Squad trains students across all five boroughs of the city to provide technical support to their school community, creating a cost-effective solution to the lack of on-site technology support. Its parent agency, MOUSE, partnered with Fordham in 2005 on the three-year study, “MOUSE Squad Program: Implementation and Outcomes,” to measure the program’s success.
MOUSE was founded in 1997, and the MOUSE Squad program was launched in 2000. Results of the study drew the attention of City Council President Christine Quinn, who announced them publicly last May.
“The study confirms the impact of MOUSE programs on the most significant issues facing public schools today, including improved attendance, academic scores and 21st century skills,” said Carole Wacey, Executive Director of MOUSE.
The Fordham study also reported that 72 percent of faculty advisers in schools felt MOUSE Squad student workers were capable of handling the most significant technical problems. A separate financial assessment study showed that MOUSE Squads saved a school about $19,000 annually in technology support costs.
In addition to the MOUSE Squad, the MOUSE program sponsors more advanced technology training, job shadow opportunities, and college-bound workshops for high school students.
Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to approximately 14,700 students in its four undergraduate colleges and its six graduate and professional schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in Westchester, and the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y.
07/09
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The list of what I have learned from the MOUSE Squad program can go on forever. The training has helped me to be confident about what I do and has taught me... read more ›
– Jessica Alberto, MOUSE Squad Member, Thomas A. Edison Career & Technology High School
MOUSE Squad has provided invaluable assistance to our school and made technology easy for our entire staff. Those on MOUSE Squad are surrounded by students who are successful inside and outside the classroom. read more ›
– Anthony Barbetta, Principal, Thomas A. Edison Career & Technology High School
I recognize MOUSE for its dedication to providing our city’s schools with the technological tools and support to keep our children competitive in the information age. read more ›
– Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, New York City
The experiences that MOUSE provides its participants help ensure that high school graduates are prepared for good jobs during the summer and in their future careers. MOUSE’s unique emphasis on technology training... read more ›
– Gale Brewer, New York City Council Member, Technology Committee Chair
I love finishing school and coming to MOUSE. I love the teamwork and the time to learn new things about computers. read more ›
– Aram Buenaventura, MOUSE Squad Member, High School for Arts & Technology
When I started the internship, my manager brought me to the trading floor. It was the best thing in the world to see all the traders and to know they were my clients,... read more ›
– Duckens Durosier, MOUSE Squad Alumni, Junior Analyst, Citi
To me, programs like this don't exactly go to every school around. I enjoy the program and what they teach. My interest in technology has enhanced greatly because of MOUSE Squad. read more ›
– Ally Garcia, MOUSE Squad Member, High School for Arts & Technology
Participating in the MOUSE Squad gave me a true sense of purpose. I never could have imagined in just 8 years, I would be CEO of my own technology consulting firm and... read more ›
– Juan Garzon, MOUSE Squad Alumnus; Field Support Representative, MOUSE
The people at MOUSE are a living, breathing testament to the notion that when an organization is centered around a thoughtful and attainable goal—staffed by competent, bright and passionate individuals—there is very little... read more ›
– Mehran Ghaffarsamar , MOUSE Intern, Baruch College
Our MOUSE Squad students are demonstrating leadership skills, learning about responsibilities and how to communicate with adults. This program is inspiring our students and giving them a glimpse of future career opportunities. read more ›
– Carla Haakma, Principal, Los Arboles Elementary School, California
MOUSE Squad students learn many skills frequently cited by employers as keys to success in the workplace, including leadership, communication, teamwork problem solving and time management. read more ›
– Jan Half, Executive Director, MOUSE Squad of California
We recognize that student attendance and graduation are increasingly important issues facing public schools. We are looking to target specific schools as we have seen the TechCrew program have a positive impact in... read more ›
– Victor Herrera, Student Tech Services, Chicago Public Schools
For our school, MOUSE Squad plays an integral role in supporting our technology, saving us both time and money. But more importantly, students participate in positive experiences that give them a strong... read more ›
– Seth Hubbert, Faculty Coordinator, High School for Arts & Technology
What excites me most about MOUSE Squad is going to fix computers and hanging out with friends. I really think MOUSE Squad pushes you to try and learn new things. read more ›
– Danielle Jacobs, MOUSE Squad Member, Cooper High School, Abilene Texas
MOUSE is a valued NYC Department of Education partner--their programs are well aligned with NYC and national education priorities. MOUSE programs build important 21st century skills and prepare students to be successful... read more ›
– Joel Klein, Chancellor, New York City Department of Education
MOUSE has been able to light my path of maturity. Being shown everything I can do, and looking back at everything I’ve been a part of, I now realize what I want... read more ›
– Ryan Mason, MOUSE Squad Alumni, School of the Future
MOUSE Squad has taught me the skills I need for the future. read more ›
– Ismelda Monegro, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
Leadership, pride, self confidence and a sense of responsibility -- this is the impact of the MOUSE Squad program on our students. read more ›
– Norma Perez, Principal, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
MOUSE Squad has proven time and again that students who graduate after participating are more equipped for the next stage in their lives, especially in today’s vast information technology world. This program... read more ›
– Christine C. Quinn, Speaker, New York City Council
MOUSE has provided life changing experiences for me that have added tremendously to my passion for technology… regardless of the company or industry, you will always need technology and the skills we learn... read more ›
– Leroy Tindi, MOUSE Squad Alum, Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy
Through the CPS TechCrew program, I have learned how to explore computers, how to fix problems that are usually deferred to someone else, and what it's like to work on a team that... read more ›
– Simon Vecchioni, CPS TechCrew Member, Northside College Prep High School, Chicago
What excites me most about being part of this program is that I get to interact with other students who share the same goals and who hope to learn more on how to... read more ›
– Monique Williams, Chicago TechCrew Member, Tarkington School of Excellence
