The USF ICT Club seeks to foster students' appreciation for information and communication technology (ICT). It will provide an outlet for students to serve their community by developing their ICT skills (Coding, Robotics, Machine Learning, UX/ UI Design) and soft skills (Critical Thinking, Adaptability, Communication, Leadership, Teamwork and Work Ethic), build character, improve academic achievement and contribute to the tech talent pipeline in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
The Club will be student-led, high school organization supported by the Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Jamaica Technology & Digital Alliance (JTDA). The USF will serve as Project Owner providing, inter alia, financial and ICT related support, while the JTDA will provide technology mentorship support to drive the activities of the club.
Together, the USF and the JTDA will work cohesively towards the achievement of the clubs' objectives.
Building Leaders
Students will develop strong leadership skills with an opportunity to step up and take part in projects, social activities and club functions.
Develop Skills
Students will be exposed to coding, robotics and other digital technology topics aimed at developing their skillsets.
Encourage Service Learning
The club provides an opportunity for service learning. This enables students' Call to Lead, as members will be asked to enhance their knowledge and skills and develop their ideas into purposeful action.
Access to Financial Support
Students will have access to scholarships, grants and bursaries from the USF and its partners for meeting ICT needs, developmental needs and entry into higher educational ICT programmes.
Promote Academic Success
Membership in the club has the added benefit of increasing students' sense of engagement or attachment to the school and promoting academic success.
Transfer of Knowledge
ICT skill sets of students can be easily transferred to the immediate school environment and used to bolster the institution's digital footprint. E.g. website development, social media content creation and management, blog creation, etc.
Access to ICT Tools
Schools will be able to access technological support from the USF and its partners as a means of bolstering the ICT infrastructure.
The ICT Club: Initial Launch at the UWI Mona Campus
(2023-2024)