At computer summit, local teens wired and inspired
For these whizzes,technology is key
Jessica Ortiz and Paola Baez huddle in front of the sound studio microphone preparing to sing the Black Eyed Peas' "Hey Mama." They slowly sway back and forth, whispering the words under their breath, as Paola's sister Gaby adjusts the controls and background music on the computer.
"Hello, hello, hello," says Paola loudly into the microphone.
A Caribbean beat immediately fills the room as the girls step side to side and belt, "Hey mama, this that beat that make you move, mama." Their voices hit each note perfectly, as if they were recording for an upcoming album.
Paola, 12, and Gaby, 11, of Dorchester and Jessica, 11, of Queens, N.Y. aren't hip-hop stars, but just youths fooling around at the Museum of Science's Computer Clubhouse -- a free program designed to familiarize inner-city youngsters with computer programs and other technology.
MIT Media Laboratory and the Computer Museum (now part of the Museum of Science in Boston) created the Computer Clubhouse in 1993 to bridge the gap between young people who didn't have access to computers and those who do, and to serve as a place to harvest new ideas through technology. The technology at their disposal isn't shabby, including Photoshop, Dreamweaver,
Funded in part by the
More than 180 teenagers between 13 and 18 years old worldwide attended the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network's 2004 Teen Summit at the Museum of Science last month, at which teens chosen tinkered with programs geared toward design, architecture, broadcasting, fashion photography, and community mapping.
"Unlike a lot of computer-tech centers, no one stands in front of the room instructing," said Gail Breslow, the Museum of Science's Clubhouse director. "This is completely self-motivated. The mentors supply a lot of support into helping youths find ways to express their own interests."
But the Computer Clubhouse serves not only as an outlet for free expression, but as an avenue to opportunity as well, many participants say.
"I like music so I enjoyed learning how to put it together," said 14-year-old Kevin Doyle of Dublin at the recent summit. "It started as a hobby and now it brought me to Boston."
Jos Andrades, 16, of Dorchester, says the clubhouse has made a huge impact on his life. He has been going to the one at the Roxbury Boys & Girls Club since he was in the first grade and is now part of the junior part-time staff.
"My mom decided to go back to school when I was 6," said Andrades. "There was no one to take care of us. The social worker referenced us to this club. The Computer Clubhouse keeps me out of trouble. I would definitely be in trouble if it wasn't for this."
This after-school tech haven also helped Andrades to focus on his future by encouraging him to move onto a career in the military after he graduates.
"This place has a lot of connections to a lot of different companies," said 20-year-old Vayu Kieta of Dorchester, who first visited the clubhouse seven years ago on his 14th birthday.
Clubhouse mentors and employers in many industries, including architecture, Web design, robotics, and broadcasting, drop by Clubhouse career fairs. Americorps,
"Many community activists say that this is not a tech program," said Breslow. "It is a more of a youth empowerment program."
At the July summit, youths got a pep talk via videotape from comedian Conan O'Brien.
"Finding your dream job is a process," said O'Brien. "Work hard, have fun, and respect creativity."
For more information, go to www.computerclubhouse.org. 
