COMPUTER CLUBHOUSE

Gold Crown's Computer Clubhouse is a free-of-charge, award-winning program model developed by the Boston Museum of Science and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Laboratory. Our Clubhouse provides a creative and safe after-school learning environment where over 400 registered members (ages 10-18) from the Sheridan corridor work with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, develop skills, and build confidence in themselves through the use of technology. Members attend on a drop in basis Monday through Friday from 3-7 p.m.

Guided by adult instructors and mentors, each youth identifies a project that is important to them, and then sets out learning how to use various art and technology skills and tools to complete the project. Some youth have written, recorded and produced their own music; some have designed and programmed their own video games; others have created series of fine and graphic visual arts pieces. Regardless of the project in question, all youth work in an energetic, digital invention workshop, using industry-level computers and software. Youth also have the opportunity to collaborate and learn from youth around the world through the Computer Clubhouse Network, a virtual intranet connecting the more than 100 Computer Clubhouses around the world. Youth in Lakewood, Colorado can work daily with youth in more than 20 different countries. In addition to teaching the hard and soft skills necessary for success in school, the Computer Clubhouse stresses long-term goals through “Clubhouse to College/Career” (C2C).

Open Mic Night, held quarterly, gives members a venue to perform and showcase their work.

2007 Summer Events
Summertime in the Clubhouse is a great time to try out new things, go on field trips, and work on special projects. This summer we partnered with MESA to make balsa wood gliders and cardboard boats. Clubhouse members competed their gliders for prizes in best design, creative artwork, and flying distance.

A 10-member skateboard team gathered weekly to work on skateboard designs which they silkscreened onto their boards, visited local skate parks, and shot video for their upcoming movie.

Youth Record Label
In the Fall of 2006 Computer Clubhouse members rolled out their own youth-run record label One Way Records at a Red Carpet Release party. Over 100 Lakewood youth enjoyed live performances and a break dancing competition.

The clubhouse members worked all summer writing, performing, and recording their own music. They also designed the album artwork, developed marketing strategies for CD sales, and created a website.

The compilation album and T-shirts are available for sale.
CDs: $5 each - T-shirts: $5 each - CD & T-shirt: $8
Website: www.goldcrownenrichment.org/1wayrecords

For more information on this free program, contact Adrian Collier or Nate Stone at 303-233-6776, x226.

Members' Websites:

• Daniel N
• David