Mission: to increase girls' comfort level and enthusiam with computers and encourage use of technology through afterschool programs in digital arts.

 

techARTS is a community action project to encourage girls from the City of Buffalo to learn about and use computers. techARTS is funded by the University at Buffalo and by the RGK Foundation in Austin Texas.

Events are held at the headquarters of the nationally known nonprofit media arts organization, Squeaky Wheel/ Buffalo Media Resources, 175 Elmwood Avenue.

Girls and teachers meet weekly to learn creative software packages and create work. Each month a nationally-known guest woman computer scientist or artist utilizing technology will speak and answer questions about her career and why she chose to her field. The girls will have an opportunity to try out all kinds of digital techniques, including creating computer graphics, making web pages, creating a programmed sequence of animation, making robots, and writing songs in a computer lab. The TechARTS program will provide all girls, especially girls who have had few opportunities, a chance to meet and interact with role models.

The Center for Children and Technology/ Education Development Center in New York City, among other groups, has studied the different perceptions of technology between genders Overall, there were important gender differences identified in the study regarding ideals expressed about technology. Males, for example, interpreted technology as a source of power, while females saw technology as a way to communicate and interact socially. In addition, girls' self esteem can build dramatically if they are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities.

See some techARTS work!

See our Logos...
designed under the direction of mentor/designer Maria Vidal!

Hear what we're saying/singing!

Some of our Words...

Check out our digital images!