Philly-Tech IT Spark program mission is to inspire middle school boys and girls to spark or explore the possibilities of technology to inform and empower their future IT career interest and choices. Our vision is to create a world where boys and girls develop or enhance a lifelong passion and confidence in their use of technology throughout their careers and those who would like to pursue IT careers can learn about the various specializations available and decide which ones they would want to get into.

PHILLY-TECH IT SPARK students will undertake a hands-on exploration of IT topics including:

  • What is Information Technology (IT)? What can you do as an IT professional?;
  • IT concepts and terminology;
  • What’s Inside a Computer;
  • How Computers Talk – Introduction to network communications;
  • Applications and software – How to install, uninstall, maintain, & troubleshoot software;
  • SQL: Explore & Command databases – database fundamentals;
  • Making a Website Using WordPress;
  • Making a website using HTML/CSS;
  • Designing Mobile Apps;
  • Build Your Own Voice App using VOICEFLOW;
  • Creating your own games using GameMaker;
  • NoCode app building using AppGeyser;
  • Data Privacy: How to protect your personal information;
  • Internet Safety: How to stay safe online.

Internet Safety: How to stay safe online

This short course introduces learners to the essential skills and awareness needed to stay safe while using the internet in everyday life. Participants will learn how to recognize common online risks such as scams, phishing emails, fake websites, identity theft, and unsafe social media practices. The course also covers practical strategies for protecting personal information, creating strong passwords, using public Wi-Fi safely, and understanding privacy settings on common platforms. Designed for beginners and everyday internet users, this course empowers learners with clear, practical guidance to confidently and safely navigate the online world.