Technology Program in City Schools Provides Opportunities for Students, Opens Doors for Graduates
May 8, 2009, New York, NY – Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Education Committee Chair Robert Jackson and Technology Committee Chair Gale Brewer today joined with MOUSE to release a report on the performance of the citywide technology in education program “MOUSE Squad.” The study was conducted over the course of three years by Fordham University and evaluates the impact of the technology education program in New York City schools.
Students who have participated in the program were on hand at today’s press conference, as well as Carole Wacey, Executive Director of MOUSE; Ryan Brack, NYC Department of Education, Chief of Staff for the Office of Public & Community Affairs; Brian Ellner, NYC Department of Education, Senior Counsel to the Chancellor; and Linda Correnti, Principal, ACCESS.
The report, titled “MOUSE Squad Program: Implementation and Outcomes,” found that students who participated in the program are more likely to attend school, improve academic, technology and leadership skills, and are better prepared for future college and career opportunities.
“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 word,” said Speaker Christine C. Quinn, “This report illustrates how invaluable this program is for helping students reach their greatest potential.”
“I am always impressed when I visit a MOUSE Squad in action,” said Education Committee Chair Robert Jackson, “It’s great to learn that the positive energy I’ve observed has been confirmed by a formal study.”
“The experiences that MOUSE provides its participants helps ensure that high school graduates are prepared for good jobs during the summer and in their future careers,” said Technology Committee Chair Gale Brewer, “I have seen first hand the peer technology support that MOUSE participants give to fellow students in high school. In addition, MOUSE’s unique emphasis on technology training as well as communication and professional development helps guarantee higher achievement while in high school and in college. I congratulate MOUSE on its success, and look forward to continue our partnership in closing the digital divide in New York City.”
MOUSE Squad prepares and supports students in establishing and managing leading edge technical support help desks in their schools. MOUSE Squad improves a school’s ability to use technology to enhance learning, while also providing a powerful, hands-on 21st century learning experience for students.
MOUSE offers two additional programs:
• MOUSE Corps, a career readiness program for high school students, providing professional internships, mentoring and skills building workshops
• MOUSE TechSource, focuses on research, evaluation and continuous program improvement
“MOUSE is providing opportunities for students to improve their technical knowledge and to develop essential 21st century skills,” said Carole Wacey, Executive Director of MOUSE, “We are pleased to announce the results of the Fordham University study which confirm the impact of MOUSE programs on the most significant issues facing public schools today.”
“Our MOUSE Squad students have acquired a wealth of technical information and a rich skill set through this experience,” said Linda Correnti, Principal, Access. “They are a peer group of individuals who embody the behaviors and collaborate structures of a successful team. The MOUSE Squad is our ever-ready corps of "go to" personnel---very few students have the opportunity to save the day for their teachers, administrators, and peers.”
The Fordham University study surveyed public school faculty and students throughout the city. The report details 96% of principals and 91% of students surveyed said MOUSE Squad opened up career and job opportunities. 96% surveyed said the program helped them to find ways to achieve their goals, and 99% surveyed the MOUSE skills they improved their problem solving skills.
Related Files
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
