KidsTek holds an annual fundraising Gala to support our important work. This February we held our 18th annual Tech Literacy Gala. Some of the main events included KidsTek high schoolers displaying their work for guests to see and interact with, KidsTek student speakers leading the program portion of the evening, and even a delicious crème brulée dessert that was enjoyed by all.
Guests spent the first half of the night eating, drinking, networking and perusing the silent auction items. The silent auction was filled with excellent items ranging from workout classes at Orange Theory fitness to an exclusive package for a weekend stay at a beautiful resort in Vail. The high school students that attended the gala also had tables set up to display their work. Throughout the first half of the evening, the students were showcasing their work and guiding gala guests through activities that they had created in class. Included on one of these tables was a monitor displaying an app that was built by KidsTek’s “Intro to Programming” class at Hinkley High School in Aurora. Instructor Michelle Lim helped the students put together a game they called ‘Eye Spy.’ Each student created a level that required guests to find a hidden object in order to win the game.
During the second half of the evening, guests were seated at tables throughout the ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton Denver and listened to a student-led program that showcased how KidsTek has impacted the lives of students from elementary through college. This portion of the evening also gave a basic understanding to the guests about what each age group within KidsTek is taught: KidsTek starts by teaching elementary students that technology is fun through projects that incorporate basic computer skills. Then, in middle school, KidsTek strengthens students’ skills through exploration with technology and incorporating their own interests and passions. Finally, in high school, KidsTek dives deeper into computing, programming, soft skills needed for the future, career development and earning certifications in basic computing, Microsoft Office and business ethics.
KidsTek is first and foremost so proud of all of the students that attended and helped with this year’s Tech Literacy Gala. The students truly did ‘steal the show’ as was stated often by the attendees. Miriam Ben Abdallah, KidsTek Instructor at West and North Middle Schools in Aurora, shared “The Gala was a hit and everyone in attendance was inspired by the program. The best part of the evening was the student testimonials. It is so wonderful to see the impact our program has on the kids and to see the progression from elementary school learning to college students who graduated from the program.”
