Great things are happening in TechCrews across Chicago Public Schools!  The CPS TechCrew Program is a student-led tech support program powered by a partnership with Mouse since 2004.  Huge thanks to the CPS TechCrews that invited Mouse staff members to visit this spring.

At Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy, the TechCrew handles tech issues for 1,300 students in their school, including fixing printers, computers and iPads. Diana Gonzales, TechCrew Coordinator, sees the impact this program has on her students, as well as the school overall. “It helps students develop a sense of belonging, gives them ownership of technology resources. It also helps keep the technology running properly.”

All TechCrew students at Maria Saucedo have completed the Mouse Squad Certification on mousesquad.org and are using Case Tracker to manage the technical requests they receive. Jose, an 8th grade student shared, “Being on TechCrew makes me feel more comfortable with computers and helps to prepare me for any careers that I want to go into.”

Northside College Prep has been running the TechCrew program for several years. This year, the TechCrew has 14 students who meet each day before school. Safia, a 10th grade student, expressed the importance of involving more young people in technology: "Everyone thinks that future innovation will be exciting but need to realize that to get there, we need more young people studying and interested in technology."

At Eli Whitney Elementary School, TechCrew students welcomed us with a huge poster. Esmerald Soto, TechCrew Coordinator for five years, commented, “If I didn’t have these twelve students on the TechCrew, I’d be lost. There is so much to do!” Eli Whitney was recognized as “Best New Mouse Squad of the Year” in 2008 and won the Holiday MicroProject for their “Find My TechCrew” app in 2010. They are also very excited to submit many projects for this year’s “DIY” Competition!

As Alex, a 6th grade student expressed, “We are a big part of this school. It wouldn’t run as well without the TechCrew.”  Erika added, “We get to help the school. I like helping people.”

Belvie Foster, Manager of Technology Acquisitions and Support at Chicago Public Schools described how the TechCrew program engages and prepares students across the Chicago schools for success, “TechCrew is inspiring youth to pursue their passions of technology. They are investing in their future when they join TechCrew.”