Tech For Good

This fall, Middle School students helped Mildred Cogliandro, a 100-year-old woman who lives at Hill House, a local elder care facility, transform her favorite inspirational quotes into beautifully designed digital art. They also expertly fielded questions from residents about cloud storage and email setup at Wallace House, another local senior center. On campus, they created computer generated coloring sheets and laser printed Legos for preschoolers in the Carriage House.

These students are part of Country Day’s innovative “Tech for Good” elective class in the Middle School, which combines technology education with community service. The program, which was conceived in partnership with the Center for Public Good, is now in its second year. In that time, it has grown to 100 students across six sections, reaching approximately one-third of the Middle School student body.

“Originally, this was going to be a tech teaching class,” said Karin Wolff, Middle School Technology Teacher. “But it’s evolved organically. Instead of “teaching,” the kids are using the skills they are learning to support others in the community and forming meaningful relationships.”

As the program evolved, the class adapted to use technology as a tool for connection. Students now create digital storytelling projects with seniors and preschoolers, design birthday cards, and provide tech support to those who want it. The program operates on a two-day per week structure: one day is spent in the classroom designing and planning activities, while the other day is spent out in the community. Students work with two main groups: young children at Carriage House Nursery and Pre-K, and seniors at both the Wallace Center and Hill House residential home.

From a technical perspective, students learn professional software tools like the Adobe Illustrator suite, Google Suite, Canva and newer AI-powered tools like Adobe Express. They create real materials for school events and learn to communicate professionally through email and presentations.

“Every single week they are creating for an authentic audience. Others are depending on them. It’s not like creating something to hand into a teacher. They create something for real people, making the work more immediately applicable than traditional classroom assignments,” said Wolff.

Students appreciate that their work is designed for real recipients, making it purposeful and motivating for students. “Tech for Good gives us students a chance to connect with our community. Many of us don’t get the opportunity to do this outside of school so I’m grateful for that,” said Matias Salazar, eighth grader.

“The Tech for Good class brightens other people’s day,” said Anna Rubenstein, an eighth grader. “I am so fortunate to go to a school like GCDS that prioritizes others and gives us so many opportunities to give back to our community