NEW YORK, January 27, 2016 – Mouse, a national youth development nonprofit that empowers students to use technology as a force for good, announced today that the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has selected Mouse as its featured STEM learning provider and will use the Mouse technology curriculum and web-based learning platform for high school students throughout Minnesota.

“Minnesota is focused on ensuring that all students graduate from high school well prepared for careers, college, and citizenship,” said Doug Paulson, STEM Specialist, Minnesota Department of Education. “We are excited to have Mouse provide an innovative and engaging opportunity for high school students to graduate with certification of the skills and competencies that continue to fuel future technology jobs and innovation throughout the state.”

Mouse will offer its technology curriculum and professional development to up to 200 high schools across Minnesota, half of which will be in greater Minnesota districts. Students will have access to Mouse’s web-based learning platform, which includes projects and lessons to develop essential technology skills and expand students’ knowledge of innovative practices like circuitry, game design, and green technology.

Educators will also be able to track student progress through Mouse’s digital badging system, designed to recognize accomplishments as learners build skills and competencies through their participation. These competencies prepare students to manage their own help desks within their schools, as well as give them real-world experience to apply these skills and build their resumes.

Best Buy also provided its strong support of Mouse for this program. “Best Buy has supported Mouse since 2003 and leveraged its curriculum in our Geek Squad Academy and Teen Tech Center programs for the past two years,” said Susan Bass Roberts, Senior Director of Community Relations, Best Buy. “This is an impressive organization that shares our goal of giving youth opportunities to develop 21st-century skills to become future innovators in our digitally connected world.”

Dozens of schools have already registered for this program and will begin implementation. Registration will continue until all 200 schools are selected. Mouse will offer professional development to educators beginning Spring 2016.

“We are honored to partner with the Minnesota Department of Education to transform how STEM and information technology are conceptualized and taught to K-12 students throughout the state,” said Daniel Rabuzzi, Executive Director, Mouse. “We see its focus on experiential learning, design thinking and creating technology with purpose as critical to the national discussion on improving education.”

About Mouse
Mouse is a national youth development nonprofit that empowers all students to create with technology to solve real problems and make meaningful change in our world. Founded in 1997, Mouse programs have had a positive and lasting impact on more than 32,000 students nationwide. Learn more at mouse.org.

Media Contact
Caitlin Kasunich / Kenneth Cousins
KCSA Strategic Communications
mouse@kcsa.com
212.896.1241 / 212.896.1254