Summer Tech Program builds on students' creativity, critical thinking skills

The Lincoln Public Schools Summer Technology Program, now in its 21st year, provides a fun, unique experience that builds on technology-based learning that students in grades four through nine are exposed to during the school year.

There’s no better example of that than the program’s Claymation course, taught by Kooser Elementary School art teacher Jason Brunott. 

“It helps them stay involved and using their creative imagination during the summer time,” Brunott said of the course, which asks students to combine various digital tools with more traditional art techniques - such as sketching storyboards and molding clay - to ultimately create a short film trailer. 

About 450 students are enrolled in the program this summer, an increase of about 100 students from last year. Classes are held at the Bryan Community Focus Program building near 48th and O streets. Students can sign up for a variety of courses, which meet for three hours a day for one week at a time, through July 19. Along with Claymation, courses include MIT Mobile App Development, Vex Robotics, Web Page Design/Web Graphics and Introduction to Programming Concepts.

The program has evolved and grown during its 20 years - enrollment was 60 students when it began - but one thing hasn’t changed: It offers students the opportunity to hone the creative and critical thinking skills they developed from August through May.

“I like for them to be able to problem-solve,” Brunott said. “My rule is, you have to try it first before you ask me for help.”

Open spots remain in courses during the final two sessions of the LPS Summer Technology Program. More information, including how to register, is available on the program’s website.

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