Kids and Computers

Mission

The mission of Vanderbilt's service group, Kids and Computers, is to help Nashville area 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders by educating them on the subject of computer technology through the operation of a mentoring program operated by undergraduate students. Service to the Nashville community is the most important goal.

Brief History

Founded in 1999 by Dr. Charles Brau and Dr. Ginny Shepherd, Kids and Computers has graduated over 100 Nashville youth through a partnership with Vanderbilt Students and Faculty, Edgehill Community Center, and the Nashville Mayor's Office.

Membership and Target Audience

Membership is composed of approximately thirty total Vanderbilt volunteer mentors. Most mentors are undergraduates of varying disciplines. Membership also includes a limited number of graduate students. There is no cap on student membership, and the membership numbers continue to rise. The other end of the mentoring relationship is composed of Nashville area students. Twenty-five fifth through eighth grade students from the Edgehill and Preston Taylor communities enroll each semester in our program by filling out applications at select Metro-Davidson County public middle schools. Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency provides transportation to Vanderbilt for the students on Saturday mornings. At 10:45 AM the kids arrive by bus and are greeted by the Vanderbilt mentors with a morning brunch. After eating and conversing with the mentors, the group travels to Garland Hall Computer lab for a two hour mentoring/tutoring session where students learn how to type, research the Internet for class reports, send and receive email, and prepare PowerPoint presentations. At the end of each semester, kids who have passed a touch typing test receive computers for their families. These previously used computers come from donations from the Vanderbilt and Nashville community and are refurbished by Vanderbilt students for no cost to Vanderbilt.

Organizational Structure

The Kids and Computers club is piloted by an executive board comprised of Vanderbilt students. There are five student officers who create curriculum for the eight tutoring sessions per semester. Additional duties include delivering donated computers to graduating students of the program, recruiting student volunteers, and planning special end of the semester parties. The board is aided by two faculty advisors, Dr. Charles Brau and Dr Ginny Shepherd.

Impact on Campus and Organization uniqueness

Kids and Computers is a positive influence on both the Vanderbilt Community Nashville area youth and a true example that a small group can make a large difference. The Kids and Computers service group accentuates the joy of volunteering. Each Vanderbilt mentor who enters the Kids and Computers program gains a sense of pride through giving back to the community. Mentors are able to give individual attention to their young friend. It can be argued that the mentors gain just as much from the program as the kids. Each kid leaves the program gaining a better understanding of computers and developing a relationship with an older Vanderbilt role model. Kids are invited to continue participation by progressing through the two tiers of our program, beginner and advanced. The long term impact of the program is apparent. Mentors often hear from the kids years after graduation. Kids and Computers is a perfect example of the Vanderbilt Mission statement: "Vanderbilt University is, above all, a center for scholarly research, informed and creative teaching, and service to the community and the society at large."

To learn more, feel free to contact any one of the Officers.