Futures Rewired

Futures Rewired is an after school program for 12-18 year old female-identifying and non-binary students that presents immersive technology as an interest and career path. Students are exposed to a wide range of digital media, associated hardware, and software including: virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, computer science, video games, coding, programming, data visualization, artificial intelligence, machine learning, technical art, 3D modeling, simulation, and basic engineering. Reflecting ABG’s commitment to advancing social justice, the curriculum focuses on how technology can be used for good , thus prompting critical thinking and essential discussion amongst the students. The young people learn how technology can have a positive impact on relevant, timely societal challenges such as: homelessness, animal extinction, climate change, mental health, emergency preparedness, and more! At least twice during the year, ABG brings in industry leaders to participate in a “Career Day” style class and when possible, the company takes the students off campus for educational events and experiences such as VRLA’s Conference.

THE IMPACT

The primary goal of Futures Rewired is to lay early groundwork for female-identifying and non-binary students to explore technology as a career path. By the end of the program, the students are comfortable with exploring, discussing, and evaluating the use of immersive technology — specifically as it relates to solving real world challenges. Futures Rewired heightens the students’ self-efficacy, understanding, and awareness of the technology and how it shapes the world in which we live.

Initiated in 2016, this program directly serves 70 GALA: Girls Academic Leadership Academy students, annually. The administration at GALA has reported that the Futures Rewired program participants have higher attendance and graduation rates, which positively impacts their access to college scholarships and career prospects. Existing at the intersection of social justice, technology, and the arts, Futures Rewired empowers young people to change society for the better and eliminate the gender inequalities that plague the world of technology.

Arts Bridging The Gap looks forward to expanding this program with other schools and educational partners.