The Information Technology Empowerment Center will host the official launch for the TechTransport bus from 10 to 11:30 a.m. January 25 at the Lansing Community College West Campus, 5708 Cornerstone Dr. The TechTransport Launch will provide an opportunity to tour the space-themed bus and take part in demonstrations to learn about the exciting programs that ITEC offers on board the TechTransport. The event is free and open to the public.
TechTransport is the culmination of our many funding partners dedicated to ITEC’s vision for STEM enrichment. They include the Consumers Energy Foundation, Dart Foundation, Dean Transportation, Delta Dental of Michigan, Joe D. Pentecost Foundation, Jackson National Life, Lansing Community College, Pentecost Foundation, R.E. Olds Foundation, and University Outreach and Engagement at Michigan State University.
Diana Tarpoff, President of the R.E. Olds Foundation, said, “I speak for ITEC’s many supporters in saying that we’re excited to see the bus hit the road. TechTransport will make ITEC’s cuttingedge programs available to youth throughout the Capital Region and reinforces the key importance of educational opportunity to our community’s future. We congratulate ITEC and appreciate the support of the many community partners.
” The TechTransport bus is designed to bring technology learning to Lansing-area residents with limited access to home computers and the internet. ITEC expects to serve 2,500 children in the Lansing Capital region annually through TechTransport programs.
The TechTransport will provide:
• Space Launch Programs, including a simulated mission to Mars as part of a team of astronauts, engineers and scientists.
• A mobile teaching platform to expand ITEC’s reach in the Lansing community in its robotics, digital media, game design, animation programming, web development, app development, 3-D printing, virtual reality and Minecraft modification classes.
• Financial literacy workshops, in partnership with MSUFCU.
• College readiness workshops, in partnership with the Capital College Access Network.
• After-school tutoring programs in Math and Science.
• GED Prep.
• Entrepreneurship classes.
• Field trips.
In addition to the tours, at the launch event we will also extend our appreciation to our funding partners:
• Consumers Energy
• Dart Foundation
• Dean Transportation
• Delta Dental
• Jackson National Life Insurance Co.
• Joe D. Pentecost Foundation
• Lansing Community College
• R.E. Olds Foundation
• University Outreach and Engagement - Michigan State University
About ITEC
ITEC is a nonprofit organization that provides Lansing-area youth access to programs in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. The center works especially with atrisk youth in 4th to 8th grades, who often lack enrichment opportunities. Since its inception in 2008, ITEC has provided cutting-edge STEM programs, including robotics, game design, digital media and math enrichment.
