By Rama K. Ramaswamy
The Wellesley Community Center (WCC) is, as they say, the "place where Wellesley meets" - and, in this case, also bridges digital divisions.
Wellesley High School senior Luis Hoderlein is rolling out "Digital Bridges,” a course that runs for five weeks on Friday afternoons at the WCC, starting on September 14 and continuing on the 21st, the 28th, October 12, and ending on October 19. Wellesley Digital Bridges is an organization of high schoolers who are committed to bridging the digital divide by providing electronic donations to under served communities and schools.
“In today’s digital world, access to technology and ability to handle it is as crucial as math and reading, but many children don’t even have access to technology,” said Hoderlein. “All proceeds from this [course] will go towards the purchase of computers for under served schools in the Boston area. By participating in this class your child will at the same time learn to program and help bridge the digital divide."
Hoderlein and his fellow high school students will offer a course based on Python 3.7. It is intended for middle school and high school students with an interest in software development, but no prior computer experience is required.
Digital Bridges was launched last November (2017) and raised over $2,800 in donations, awarding 11 Chromebooks and headphones for the Boston Green Academy and five Chromebooks to the Neighborhood House Charter School in Dorchester.
"Digital Bridges did it last school year with great success and we are excited to do it again!” said Executive Director Stephen Beach of the Wellesley Community Center. “The Wellesley Community Center, again, will be hosting this five-week class every Friday beginning September 14th from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Registration fee is $190 per student."
To register, send an email with your child’s name and age to: luis.hoderlein[at]gmail.com.
After receiving an email confirmation, click on “Donate” to pay at: https://wellesleydigitalbridges.wordpress.com.
The Wellesley Community Center is located at 219 Washington St. Wellesley, MA 02481.
