New Orleans Tech » 2nd Annual Teen Tech Day

2nd Annual Teen Tech Day

In 2011, we hosted our 1st Annual Teen Tech Day and now we are gearing up for our next one: Teen Tech Day 2! Teen Tech Day is a one day event tailored toward youth in the New Orleans, exposing them to technologies such as web design, programming, photography, podcasting, videography, mobile apps, and game development. The day consists of workshops, guest speakers, and hands-on learning that center around technology. Our goal is to get teenagers between the ages of 14 - 17 and get them excited about technology as a hobby, passion, or even a career.

I learned about photography and how you can capture moments in time. The podcasting was the best part because of the interaction. I would definitely tell my friends to come next year because it's really a great experience -Makayla, Jr Age: 15

Everyone that is involved with New Orleans Tech loves technology and we want to pass this on to the next generation. Many of our youth are only exposed to technology through computers and social media websites, but they can learn so much more. Technology also has areas of math, science, and engineering that can spawn jobs and careers for young people.

During our 1st Annual Teen Tech Day, we had 16 teenagers, 12 local speakers, 7 volunteers, and and a team pod casting competition. We had students represented from Ben Franklin High School, Warren Easton, St. Augustine, Einstein Academy, Sci Tech Academy, Kipp Believe College Prep, L.W. Higgins, Slidell High, Lusher Charter and home schooled. Their diversity also allowed them to interact with and learn from each other in atmosphere that showed them their commonality of interest in technology.

Alyson Kilday Teaches Creativity & Design

Held at Goodwill Industries, several local technologist taught the youth about a variety of tech topics from augmented reality to computer programming to game design. Coupled with the teen’s enthusiasm was the excitement found in each instructor. The speakers came in and brought amazing information and activities to jump start each student’s quest to learn more. Vaughn D. Taylor created an amazing presentation on Augmented Reality that took kids into a new realm with examples that had them sitting in awe. Nate Cameron took the teens through an intimate conversation about music and technology providing them resources that could help those interested in pursuing music professionally. Denice Warren Ross, GIS Manager for the city of New Orleans brought the students into the world of map making and GIS and introduced the maps of the City of New Orleans. Dr. Mable Moore, Chief Technology Office for the Jefferson Parish Public School System shared her story about how she get into the technology industry and discussed what paths to taken when wanting to make technology a career.

As Teen Tech Day approaches, we hope that it will be an even bigger success. But to do this we need your help!

Help Us: Volunteer for Teen Tech Day by filling out our volunteer form.
Donate: Teen Tech Day is possible though the generosity of the New Orleans community, businesses, and other organizations. Feel free to donate online to make an impact in a youth person's life.
More Info: You can also read articles and see photos from last year's event
Spread The Word: If you have a child or know someone with a child between the ages of 14 to 17 that would like to learn more about technology, please get them involved.