The National Museum of Computing to launch Ambassador Kids programme to inspire next generation of technology leaders
/The new programme will help to inspire, educate, and engage children through interactive technology and mentoring sessions
Activities will include hands-on experience with programming, robotics, and more
Thanks to sponsorship from Lightning Tools, the museum hopes the programme will reach as many children as possible
The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC) announced the launch of its brand-new Ambassador Kids programme. The new programme will support the younger generations technology education through various activities and the museum’s vast collection of historical computers. With less children studying GCSE Computer Science than ever before, the programme hopes to inspire children to see technology in a different light – empowering them with the knowledge and passion to potentially explore a career in STEM later in life.
The Ambassador Kids programme will run monthly sessions – with plans to expand to every two weeks as the programme grows. Each session will focus on a hands-on practical activity, including:
Microsoft MakeCode sessions and video game building
Raspberry Pi coding activities
Sphero STEM kits & robotics
BBC micro:bit coding
Virtual reality activities powered by Chillblast
3D printing and digital modelling
Minecraft education activities, provided by Microsoft
The Ambassador Kids programme will also utilise the museum’s vast network of sponsors and supporters, with guest mentoring sessions. The programme is completely free, open to all children aged 10 upwards and can be booked through the museum’s Eventbrite portal.
Thanks to sponsorship from Lightning Tools, a global provider of Microsoft SharePoint tools & web services, the museum has been able to provide the programme for free. The team at Lightning Tools aligned closely with the museum’s mission to inspire, educate and engage as many children as possible and will be offering tools and mentors, as well as the free spots, for the programme.
Brett Lonsdale, Co-founder of Lightning Tools, commented: “Since engaging with the museum on its autism in the workplace programme, we’ve had a strong commitment to helping the museum achieve its mission. Now, more than ever, kids need a strong foundation to explore technology later in life – and this programme will do just that, in a fun and approachable way. If you look at how technology is moving, it’s always going to require people to write code and we’ll need a generation of aspiring coders to do that.”
“I’m also excited to participate in the programme myself as a mentor and give kids their first taste of tech. It’s really the perfect opportunity to help kids get the most out of it by playing, experimenting and experiencing technology hands-on.”
TNMOC’s Ambassador Kids programme would not be possible without continued support from Sophos, Issured, Pi Hut, Chillblast, Microsoft, Go Deply, Sphero and Agilitas.
Jacqui Garrad, Museum Director at TNMOC, commented: “You’ve seen it in the news, kids are less engaged in technology than ever before – from GCSE to A-levels – while the world is only becoming more digital. This is why now seemed the right time to launch our Ambassador Kids programme. At TNMOC, we are committed to fulfilling our mission to inspire, educate, and engage the next generation of technologists and this programme is another step in fulfilling that.”
About The National Museum of Computing
The National Museum of Computing brings to life the history and ongoing development of computing for the enjoyment and benefit of the general public and specialists. The Museum combines a distinctive approach to engagement with an emphasis on British computing heritage and on-going innovation. TNMOC acquires, conserves, restores and rebuilds historic computing machinery. Our approach is furthered through a process of engagement, with the display and demonstration of historical systems. The Museum runs a highly successful learning programme for schools and colleges and introduces computer coding to young people to help inspire the next generation of computer scientists and engineers. The Museum also runs a popular, on-going programme of festivals, lectures and interpreted displays and interactive events.
About Lightning Tools
Lightning Tools is a global Independent Software Vendor (ISV) that specializes in Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Office 365 tools and web parts. We formed in 2007, with our initial tool “BDC Meta Man”, and have since grown to offer a range of products to our customers worldwide.
At Lightning Tools, we put our customers needs first. We offer a range of products that fill genuine gaps within Microsoft SharePoint. Our product is not just the software itself however! When you buy from Lightning Tools, we ensure that you get outstanding customer care from our customer success managers and technical support representatives.
