Word of MOUSE Spring 2012
Headlines
- MOUSE Awarded $100,000 as Winner of "Badges for Lifelong Learning Competition"
- Northrop Grumman Partners with MOUSE to Inspire Youth to Pursue STEM Careers
- NYC Council Member Koppell Visited MOUSE Students at In-Tech Academy
- Marc Lesser Recognized as NSBA "20 to Watch" Leader in Education Technology
- MOUSE Featured on Philantropher.com!
- Carole Wacey Featured on MO.com
From Our Executive Director
Dear Friend,
As this school year comes to a close, I continue to be amazed by all that MOUSE Squad members accomplish in schools across the country!
MOUSE students are playing a vital and much appreciated role as the digital media and technology experts in their schools. They are taking the lead with technology, exploring 3D printing, tinkering with robotics, remixing the web, designing serious games, and developing meaningful projects that address social needs -- experiences that will continue to inspire them to become the creators, thinkers and innovators of tomorrow.
I invite you to celebrate with MOUSE as we embark upon our 15th year and grow our impact to thousands more students across the country. My very sincere thanks to all the friends and partners of MOUSE who have helped us to reach this very significant milestone and to our national network of more than 4,000 students and educators who make great learning happen in their schools every day!
Have a wonderful summer!
Best,
Carole Wacey
MOUSE Headlines

MOUSE Awarded $100,000 as Winner of "Badges for Lifelong Learning Competition"
MOUSE is pleased to announce winning a $100,000 grant from the 4th Digital Media and Learning Competition, held in conjunction with the Mozilla Foundation and supported by The MacArthur Foundation. Read More >
Northrop Grumman Partners with MOUSE to Inspire Youth to Pursue STEM Careers
MOUSE greatly appreciates receiving a generous grant from Northrop Grumman and their providing shadowship opportunities for several MOUSE Corps students. Read More >
NYC Council Member Koppell Visited MOUSE Students at In-Tech Academy
Council Member Koppell visited the In-Tech Academy MOUSE Squad to hear about their valued tech support role, and their opportunities to learn about new technologies and explore the professional world. Read More >
Marc Lesser Recognized as NSBA "20 to Watch" Leader in Education Technology
MOUSE is incredibly proud to announce that Marc Lesser, Education Director, is one of the National School Board Association’s (NSBA) “20 to Watch” leaders advancing education technology for 2011-2012! Read More >
MOUSE Featured on Philantropher.com!
Thanks to the many friends that supported MOUSE through Philantropher.com, helping today's youth to become the next Steve Jobs. Read More >
Carole Wacey Featured on MO.com
MO.com, a site focused on entrepreneurship, describes how MOUSE teaches and enables our country’s most important resource – our youth – to create, invent and innovate. Read More >
National Updates

MOUSE Squad Story: Check Out Our New Video!
MOUSE recently created a new animated video that tells the story of the important work our students and educators do as part of the national MOUSE Squad network. Read More >
More than 100 NYC middle and high school students presented their technology projects and networked with peers and industry professionals at the 4th Annual Emoti-Con! Digital Media and Technology Challenge! Read More >
MOUSE Announces 2012 MSOTY and DIY Competition Winners!
Congratulations to P.S. 43 Code Breakers and Nerdy Bulldogs for being recognized as MOUSE Squad of the Year and to the Eli Whitney TechCrew for being the Grand Prize Winner of the DIY Contest! Read More >
National MicroProject Winners: Creating Interactive Posters and Remixing the Web
Congratulations to the amazing winners of our February MicroProject What Powers Your Squad? and our March MicroProject Remixing the Web!
Across the MOUSE Network

MOUSE Students Explore Robotics and Circuitry!
MOUSE students learned the basics of circuitry, microprocessor programming, and prototyping in this hands-on workshop, and started on their way to become certified in Garage Robotics! Read More >
Serious Games Was a Serious Success
MOUSE Squads attended this series of three workshops to learn about game design, explore social responsible gaming, and prototype a serious game of their own. Read More >
PlayTech Saturday: We Came, We Played, We Conquered
MOUSE Squad members from across the city visited Parsons The New School for Design to playtest games and provide valuable feedback to professional game designers. Read More >
MOUSE Corps Students Explore Career Pathways Through Exciting Shadowships
MOUSE Corps students shadowed professionals this spring, gaining exposure to the workplace environment and learning more about communications and leadership skills, and the important role that technology plays in the professional world. Read More >
MOUSE Squad of California Hosts Educator's Summit and Recognition Reception
This MOUSE Squad of California event provided a great opportunity to share best practices, to recognize corporate sponsors and volunteers, and to hear from students about the impact of participating in the MOUSE Squad program. Read More >
Highlighting Three Amazing Chicago TechCrews!
Thanks to the CPS TechCrews at Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy, Northside College Prep and Eli Whitney Elementary School for sharing their experiences and insights with us! Read More >
MOUSE Inspires Students to Become Leaders in Abilene, Texas
Nathan Monroe, MOUSE Squad Coordinator from Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math and Science (ATEMS), shares how MOUSE influences and impacts students to improve their self-esteem and prepares them for the future. Read More >
Partnership Spotlight: Polk Bros. Foundation

MOUSE is honored to be awarded a $50,000 grant from the Polk Bros. Foundation. Since 2008, Polk Bros. has generously contributed $200,000 in support of our TechCrew program running across the Chicago Public Schools. Read More >
Board and Staff News
MOUSE wishes all the best to the departing members of our team and looks forward to keeping in touch as they continue to pursue exciting new opportunities.
MOUSE Board of Directors
Our longest serving board member, Luyen Chou, will complete his tenure on the MOUSE Board of Directors. Luyen has been connected to MOUSE since the days of its founding and has made many valuable contributions through the years.
Michael Rockefeller, Secretary, MOUSE Board of Directors, has served on our Board since 2000 and has also been an incredible asset to the organization.
In appreciation of their exceptional contributions to MOUSE, we were pleased to present Luyen and Michael with Proclamations from NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
MOUSE Staff
We congratulate Krizia Sapida on her recent marriage and move to Barcelona with her new husband while he pursues his business degree.
Samantha Brody will also be leaving MOUSE to pursue her MBA at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business where she will continue to pursue her passion for public service by taking advantage of the resources available at the Duke Center for Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship.
As we say goodbye to some members of the MOUSE team, we extend a warm welcome to:
Max Kennedy who has joined MOUSE as our new Operations Coordinator. Max most recently worked at the Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York. Max has also volunteered with Computers for Youth and will bring his experience and talents to this new role.
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
TechCrew allows me to start my day working with a group of students that have true passion and dedication…TechCrew teaches our students how to work as part of a group and leaves them... read more ›
– Marcos Alcozer, Northside College Prep High School, Chicago
MOUSE has helped me to gain job skills and it has been a great opportunity. The Squad has taught me many valuable lessons, the most important being responsibility and leadership. read more ›
– Khaleel Anderson, MOUSE Student, P256Q
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
MOUSE and SAP apply the same core values – quality, integrity, commitment, and passion – to our organizations. We see MOUSE Corps students as our next generation of employees and customers. MOUSE empowers... read more ›
– Ron Carolan, Chief Financial Officer, SAP Global Marketing
We must leverage technology to provide engaging, powerful learning experiences for all students, giving them authentic tools to solve real-world problems and opportunities to become better prepared for our globally competitive workforce. read more ›
– Karen Cator, Director of the Office of Educational Technology, U.S. Department of Education
MOUSE Squad has been a life changing experience for many of our students. They feel good about their role with technology, which builds their confidence and makes them more successful in... read more ›
– Kristy De La Cruz, Bea Fuller Rodgers School (IS 528)
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 Alum, George Wingate High School
Being on MOUSE Squad adds to my experience in school by making me confident about myself. read more ›
– Daniela Fernandez, MOUSE Squad Member, Sylvandale Middle School, California
Our MOUSE Squad students stand a little taller. They recognize that they have special skills and are respected for it.
– Dr. Katherine Flori, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, W.C Byrant High School, New York
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 Alum, Robert F. Wagner Secondary School for Arts & Technology,
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
MOUSE provides a unique opportunity for students to give back to their school, deepening their sense of leadership and responsibility, and improving their relationships with peers and teachers—all the while getting hands-on experience... read more ›
– Maureen Guido, Principal, The Paula Hedbavny School
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, Program 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, Director of Technology, Theodore Roosevelt High School, Chicago
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, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, High School for Arts & Technology
The MOUSE program should be in every school in New York City. read more ›
– Robert Jackson, Member, New York City Council
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
I feel like I'm a part of an important team that keeps the school running more efficiently...Being on TechCrew helps improve the leadership qualities that we, as students, are developing for the future. read more ›
– Edwin Le, Northside College Preparatory High School, Chicago
I joined MOUSE to explore my passion for technology and be a part of an organization that values communications and teamwork. read more ›
– Rigel Leonard, MOUSE Corps Member, School of the Future
“I am amazed at the eagerness and enthusiasm of my MOUSE Squad. They have dedication and motivation, and are the reason I want to come to school every day.” read more ›
– Victor Lopez, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, MS 328
MOUSE has had such a positive impact on my life, including my college and work experiences. MOUSE has exposed me to aspects of this world that I would not otherwise have had the... read more ›
– Ryan Mason, MOUSE Squad Alum, School of the Future
MOUSE that trains tech-savvy students in inner-city schools to become tech support leads and ambassadors within their schools and then provides mentorship opportunities to help them take their digital expertise to the next... read more ›
– Caroline McCarthy, Social Media Marketing Manager, Google
MOUSE Squad has taught me the skills I need for the future. read more ›
– Ismelda Monegro, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
MOUSE has been one of the best things in which I have participated in my 21 year career. It continues to be good for both students and teachers at every school where I... read more ›
– Nathan Monroe, Coordinator, Academy of Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Science, Texas
MOUSE brought me where I stand today and gave me real life work experience. MOUSE taught me about leadership and teamwork, and that there is no such thing as a bad idea. read more ›
– Dhondup Namgyal, MOUSE Corps Member, International High School
Being on the MOUSE Squad motivates and inspires me, and has helped me to learn to aim higher. read more ›
– Zainab Oni, MOUSE Squad Member, Hudson High School of Learning Technologies
MOUSE students are innovators that use technology to change the world. read more ›
– Neimat Orengo, MOUSE Alum, MOUSE Student, James Madison High School
The MOUSE Squad students are very curious and want to learn. Everyone knows about the MOUSE Squad in this school. read more ›
– Emmanuel Ourum, CUNY Intern, PS 43 MOUSE Squad
My internship with Sullivan & Cromwell would not have been possible without the help of MOUSE, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help students integrate technology into their everyday lives and ultimately... read more ›
– Ivan Pereda, MOUSE Squad Member, Baccalaureate School for Global Education
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
Our MOUSE students realize that this is just the beginning. They can go on to college to study computer technology, and become help desk technicians and repair specialists…and many do. read more ›
– Irwin Queen, School of Cooperative Technical Education
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
Thanks to Abilene Independent School District (AISD) for incorporating such a program and major kudos to Nathan Monroe, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, ATEMS. He actively leads a group that daily makes the teacher’s lives... read more ›
– Rebecca Rampy, Instruction Technology Specialist, Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math and Science (ATEMS) in Abilene, Texas
Juniper's community engagement vision is to use the power of the new network to take on the toughest challenges facing our communities and to connect and empower people everywhere. MOUSE exemplifies this vision... read more ›
– Darryl Ramsey, Public Sector - Americas, Business Development and Technical Strategy, Juniper Networks
MOUSE empowers students to lead and support the use of technology in their schools, while also helping them to discover their creative, technological, and learning potential. read more ›
– Linda G. Roberts, National Consultant on Technology and Education
At Best Buy, we believe in the power and potential of youth. We are proud to be long-time investors in MOUSE, an impressive and growing organization that is having a dramatic impact on... read more ›
– Susan Bass Roberts, Senior Director, Community Relations, Best Buy
I thank MOUSE for starting my career. Without MOUSE, I would not be as successful as I am today. read more ›
– Mendy Rodriguez, MOUSE Squad Alum; Junior Analyst, IT Service Desk, Time Inc.
MOUSE has taught me many valuable lessons that will help me in life. read more ›
– Madeline Sariol, MOUSE Student, In-Tech Academy
Thanks to efforts of MOUSE, young people throughout New York City will have the opportunity to better their lives and become productive members of our society.
– Charles E. Schumer, United States Senator for New York
I commend MOUSE for improving the educational opportunities for young people, motivating them to attend college and preparing them for high quality jobs in the future. read more ›
– José E. Serrano, Congressman, 16th District of New York
Watching MOUSE Squad grow from a pilot to an established entity has been a thrilling experience. I’ve seen my students grow from tentative kids, virtually afraid of touching machines, to savvy technicians,... read more ›
– Kiri Soares, Principal, Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women
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
We try to focus on career readiness, laying the foundation and opening their eyes to careers they might consider in the future. I tell my students that if they want to be... read more ›
– Matthew Valia, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, Berta A. Drefus School
MOUSE is an excellent example of rethinking how to put students at the center of their own learning and reorganizing schools around their motivations and strengths. read more ›
– Arthur VanderVeen, Chief of Innovation Strategy and Policy, NYC Department of Education
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
I believe strongly in public education and the opportunity it can and should provide to all. MOUSE provides a valuable service, closing the gap between heavily resourced schools and those in underserved areas. read more ›
– Peter Vincent, VP Human Resources, National Audubon Society
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
MOUSE taught me perspective, a way of working with people and how to think, speak and write in a professional way. read more ›
– Syed Zaidi, MOUSE Squad Alum, Baccalaureate School for Global Education







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