Baltimore, MD
The Digital Harbor Foundation fosters innovation, tech advancement, and entrepreneurship by helping youth develop digital age skills through maker activities and tech workforce development.
The Story of the DHF Tech Center:
Rec2Tech
The South Baltimore Recreation Center was slated by the Mayor of Baltimore to close it's doors in 2012. The Digital Harbor Foundation, however, had a vision of transformation through which an old rec center could become a tech center. The process of transforming the space, dubbed Rec2Tech, gave birth to the Digital Harbor Foundation Tech Center. Since our launch in January 2013, we have seen the ideas born here spread throughout the country as other similar spaces seek to reinvigorate their offerings to the community.
What happens at the DHF Tech Center?
Mega LAB
High-school aged students interested in tech fields such as web development, mobile development, digital fabrication, and cyber security come daily to the MegaLab where they work with mentors and tech coaches on individually-identified projects. Students who have developed skills are then able to participate in the STEM Engine workforce development program.
Nano Lab
The NanoLab, serving children in grades Pre-K through 5th grade, develops students' STEM abilities through creation, cooperation, collaboration, organization, and digital literacy. The NanoBots (our students) explore a variety of themes and activities, as individuals and groups, in a creative project-based learning environment.
Pro Lab
In response to overwhelming demand from students for opportunities related to audio and video production, DHF has outlined plans and space to create a Pro(duction) Lab for recording and mixing purposes. The lab is projected to open by the end of 2013. In the mean time, students are already working on DJ and mixing skills in the MegaLab.
MakerCamp
Digital Harbor Foundation is proud to present (in partnership with MakerEd and their sponsors: Cognizant, Intel, O?Reilly, and Pixar) the DHF MakerCamp 2013. This summer camp at the Digital Harbor Foundation Tech Center will offer a half-day camp to students between the ages of 7-10 (Nano Makers) and 13-17 (Mega Makers). Extended hours (until 5pm) available.
Apply for a Scholarship:
We strongly believe that every child should have the opportunity to attend this camp. Thanks to our sponsors, we are pleased to announce that DHF is able to provide scholarship assistance to any and all prospective campers with financial need. Please fill out the form (link below) to apply for a scholarship. *One form must be completed per child.
Circuit Adventures
June 17 - June 28
In this session, Circuit Adventures, students will get a chance to learn more about circuits and create lamps, flying propellers, moving motors and musical projects. Nano Campers will explore ?squishy? circuits using play-doh while Mega Campers will learn how to create their own projects using Arduinos.
Digital Design & Fabrication
July 08 - July 19
In this session, Digital Design and Fabrication, students will explore 3D design and learn how to digitally design objects that will then be created in the real world using vinyl cutters, legos, and 3D Printers.
Game Development
July 22 - August 02
In this session, Game Development, students won't just play games -- they will make their own! Learn how to code a computer of mobile digital game. Students in the Nano Camp will learn how to create computer games and their own game controller while students in the Mega Camp will create mobile games.
Aerial Pursuits
August 5 - August 16
In this session, Aerial Pursuits, students will experience the principles of flight as you explore rocketry, paper planes, remote controlled aircraft, and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).
Recent Posts
At Digital Harbor Foundation, we are working to make sure every student has the opportunity to be the innovator of tomorrow.
Elsewhere Online: An Online Writing Journal Created By Baltimore City Middle School Students
EdTech Link Fellow Jenna Shaw shares with us that her Baltimore City 8th graders have launched an online writing journal:
I am so excited to write this blog, because everything for our after school program is finally coming together! ...I cannot wait to get the site running full-time and start connecting students from around the world.
DHF STEM Engine Students Create Online Portal to Maryland Love Project
Students in Digital Harbor Foundation?s STEM Engine program have created the online portal to The Maryland Love Project.
The MD Love Project grew out of artist Michael Owen?s Baltimore Love Project and is a partnership between The Baltimore Love Project, the State of Maryland, the Maryland State Arts Council, and the Digital Harbor Foundation.
The Blogs
The writings above are pulled together from a variety of locations. See the full list below:
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DHF Staff
Board of Trustees
Board of Advisors
Sponsors & Donors
Thank you to all of our donors! Without you, none of what we do would be possible!
Lead Sponsors
- Abell Foundation
- Omni Science Technology Partners
- Baltimore City Public Schools
- DLA Piper
Organizations
- Battelle Ed
- Annie E. Casey Foundation
- Bonsal Family Fund
- Maker Education Initiative
- Intel
- Cognizant
- O'Reilly Media
- Pixar Animation Studio
- Mindgrub Technologies
- Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore
- M&T Bank
- DHRED
- Smart Logic
- BTS
- RedOwl Analytics
- PayPal
- Microsoft
- Evolve Communications
Individuals
- Vince Talbert
- Chris Hoyt
- Nick Hallam
- Chris Engel
- Joseph Manko
- Dave Troy
- Mark Headd
- Yair Flicker
- Tim Hodge
- John Cammack
- Guy Filipelli
- Robert Embry
- Delali Dzirasa
- Rick Geritz
- Greg Cangialosi
- Mike Brenner
- Jason Pappas
- Johanna Bachman
- Hal & Susan Malone
- Susan Magsamen
- William Roth
- Sarah Sechrist
- Jennifer Accardo
- Jen Gunner Meyer
In the News:
Education Week Baltimore's Digital Harbor
Mind/Shift The Rise of Educator-Entrepreneurs
Forbes Commandeering The Decks
Technically Baltimore Ongoing Coverage
EdSurge Why EdTech Startups Suck and We Think That's OK
City Biz List Please Listen to the Students
Baltimore Sun Rec center reopens as Digital Harbor Tech Center
The Daily Record Digital Harbor Students Getting Paid To Think
City Paper Rec to Tech
Governor's Office O?Malley Launches the MD Love Project
Code for America Brigade Spotlight: Bmore Pipeline
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