{"id":12018,"date":"2014-08-05T11:28:50","date_gmt":"2014-08-05T15:28:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/webmakerblog.wpengine.com\/?p=12018"},"modified":"2019-02-26T12:41:13","modified_gmt":"2019-02-26T20:41:13","slug":"qa-with-the-digital-harbor-foundation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.mozilla.org\/foundation-archive\/mozilla-learning\/qa-with-the-digital-harbor-foundation\/","title":{"rendered":"Q&A with the Digital Harbor Foundation"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the most exciting things about Maker Party<\/a> is the chance to get to know amazing organizations all over the world that are doing great things with teaching technology and the web. That’s why we were so excited this year to meet the Digital Harbor Foundation<\/a>. The Digital Harbor Foundation is an exciting new organization in Baltimore that found an abandoned rec center and transformed it into a tech center<\/a> and permanent maker space for youth.
\nThroughout the year they run camps, workshops, and courses for kids and families of all ages and all abilities to deepen their interest in technology and teach them technical skills. \"DigitalWe had a chance to sit down with the Director of Curriculum, Stephanie Grimes, to learn more about the organization, and how they’re getting involved with Maker Party this year.<\/p>\n

What is Digital Harbor Foundation and what do you do?<\/h4>\n

At\u00a0 Digital Harbor Foundation we foster innovation, tech advancement, and\u00a0 entrepreneurship by helping youth develop digital age skills through\u00a0 maker activities and tech workforce readiness. In January 2013,\u00a0 we re-opened an abandoned Rec Center in Baltimore, and converted it to a\u00a0 Tech Center: a youth makerspace full of computers, 3D printers,\u00a0 Arduinos, and much, much more!<\/p>\n

What is the event(s) you will be hosting or running during MP?<\/h4>\n

Our main event will be our annual WebSlam<\/a> competition where youth learn web\u00a0 development skills all week and put them to use over the weekend to\u00a0 build a website for a non-profit or student project. We will also be\u00a0 running a few workshops on Webmaker tools <\/a>throughout the summer.<\/p>\n

Why did you choose to get involved with Maker Party?<\/h4>\n

We are big fans of Mozilla\u2019s goals and mission to help others make the web\u00a0 and use technology to create new things! Maker Party seemed like the\u00a0 perfect opportunity to set aside time to become more familiar with the\u00a0 Webmaker tools and put them to use with our youth.<\/p>\n

Tell us what you\u2019re most excited for at the event.<\/h4>\n

We are most excited to see what the youth make! Kids can do amazing things\u00a0 when we give them the tools and get out of the way. We are also excited\u00a0 to introduce them to new resources to help them create their visions\u00a0 for the web.<\/p>\n

Why is it important for youth and adults to make things with technology?<\/h4>\n

We believe this is important because we live in a time where technology is\u00a0 evolving so rapidly and people need to know that they can have a hand\u00a0 in creating anything that they can imagine, sometimes with easy to use\u00a0 tools!<\/p>\n

What is the feedback you usually get from people who attend or teach at your events?<\/h4>\n

The quote we hear from kids is “This is SO MUCH FUN! Can I come here during school too?” From the community, we most often hear\u00a0 \u201cWow, I wish I had\u00a0 a place like this when I was a kid!\u201d Parents thank us for offering\u00a0 opportunities that their kids are actually interested in, and creating a\u00a0 place where they feel like they fit.<\/p>\n

Why is it important for people and organizations to get involved with Maker Party?<\/h4>\n

Maker Party is an initiative that is helpful in spreading ideas,\u00a0 collaborating on projects, and teaching accessible technology tools to\u00a0 foster creation and innovation in people of all ages and backgrounds.<\/p>\n

How can people get in touch with your organization?<\/h4>\n