Community-Engaged Projects

In collaboration with Sumner Elementary School, Chicago, (2019-2020)

The indoor sustainable hydroponic learning garden project is aimed at providing children and young adults of the West Garfield Park community, the opportunity to explore natural science, math, Physics, and technology concepts and apply them into their daily lives. This project was led by a leadership team including Sumner Elementary School parents, teachers, and students, members of 360 Nation, COE students, and ETL staff.

In collaboration with:  Two Rivers Head Start Center, Carpentersville, (2016-2017)

This project provided Head Start children and their parents with opportunities to work directly in the planning and implementation of a sustainable school garden in the back yard of the Two Rivers Head Start Center.  An average of twelve parents and their children attended each of the project sessions.  The project began with indoor sessions with parents and children learning about gardening, followed by the purchase of materials for and the build of a greenhouse for the garden.

ETL Summer program (2016-Current) for middle-school children to learn about science concepts, basic computer literacy, coding skills and mechanical engineering.
Culminates into a two-week long summer camp for children of ages 8 on science experiments, robotics and computer programming. New component that allows each children to build their own mini 4WD race car and hold a tournament each week to determine the fastest build.

In collaboration with GiGi’s Playhouse Inc., Hoffman Estates, IL, (Jan 2016–Aug 2016)

ETL worked alongside students at GiGi U to assist them in developing basic computer skills that can be applied to their entrance and ongoing participation in the business world. Each classroom setting includes approximately 10 students with a lead teacher and one teacher’s assistant.

In collaboration with Two Rivers Early Head Start Agency, Carpentersville, (2015-2016)

The primary goal of the ETL Outreach Project was to teach parents with little to no previous experience how to use computer technology and Internet resources to enhance their daily lives and to enrich their young children’s education. The intent of these sessions was to teach parents about available technology and its use so that they can teach and provide their children with tools for becoming successful in the digitized world.

In collaboration with St. Aloysius Church, (2015-2016)

This project trained twenty new mentors with the St. Aloysius youth Group to provide educational enrichment opportunities. Mentor training included computer studies, peace studies and an inter-religious learning opportunity, health and diet, physical fitness, peace activism, the art of storytelling, STEM, robotics experiences at the Educational Technology Lab, cooking classes and lessons in personal finance.

In collaboration with St. Monica Catholic Church, Carpentersville, (Nov 2013-Feb 2014)

ETL Outreach for STEM-based Career Exploration for Latino High School Students. Five-week seminar for local high school students about computing basics and careers in Inter-networking technologies.