The mission of MOUSE Squad of California (MSCA) is to create technology-based opportunities that motivate students to succeed in today’s information society. MSCA is a student tech support leadership program that addresses technology needs of upper elementary, middle and high schools.

Description:
MSCA gives youth access to education and training necessary to be successful in today’s information society, while helping the public school system realize a vision for 21st century teaching and learning. MSCA recruits, places, and supports volunteers from the technology community to assist schools and educational organizations with technical support. Volunteers provide assistance with technical support, student and staff training, mentoring, and website and other special projects.

Leadership skills: MOUSE Squad students develop responsibility, project management, teamwork, leadership and organizational skills. These tools support students’ growth academically, personally, and socially, helping students improve their chances of career and economic success.

Technology skills: MOUSE Squad provides opportunities for hands-on training and project-based technology learning, building important 21st century Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills, including problem-solving, communications, computer applications and technology troubleshooting.

School and community support: MOUSE Squad empowers students to improve the use of technology in their schools and communities, and helps educators have working computers they need to effectively use technology in the classroom. This has resulted in enhanced relationships among students, faculty, and administrators who rely on the technology services and leadership provided by MOUSE Squad students, and creates a technology-focused learning community.

History:
MOUSE Squad of California (MSCA) is a program of ASPIRAnet, a non-profit organization that provides after-school, Youth Development, and community technology programs as well as Children and Family services in California. MSCA is funded by individual, community, and corporate foundations. These include a non-profit designated fund from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Xilinx, Robert Half Technology, Electronic Arts, IBM, and Intel.

MSCA has been active in California schools since February 2001 as TECH Corps of California (TCCA). TCCA was launched with a grant from John Doerr, Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. Since February 2001, TCCA has forged 150 partnerships between TCCA volunteers and educators in more than 100 California schools. TCCA volunteers have contributed more than 4000 hours of training and technical support for nearly 500 teachers and have impacted an estimated 38,000 students.

In March 2003, TCCA streamlined its efforts, targeting K-12 schools in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties. At that time, TCCA added Student TECH CORPS (STC) to the Managed Volunteer Program (MVP), as an offering for middle and high schools.

In 2006, MSCA partnered with MOUSE (Making Opportunities for Upgrading Schools & Education), a New York City-based non-profit. As MOUSE Squad of California (MSCA) Student Tech, the program is expanding to all San Francisco Bay Area counties inlcuding Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara, as well as Monterey, Sacramento, Kings, Stanislaus counties, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Contact people:

Jan Half, Program Director, (phone), (email) Kathleen Lynn, Volunteer Coordinator, (email)

Address:

AspiraNet/MBH, Inc. @ 400 Oyster Point Blvd Ste 501 South San Francisco, CA 94080 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.ca.mousesquad.org

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	No others
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	18 and above
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	No
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	No