This is such a great use of Kickstarter. I have mostly only seen it used for raising funds for tech or gaming items, so a roject that helps educate kids in electronics is a great use of the website.
I have to give kudos to SparkFun for even thinking of this idea. Brilliant! At a time when government support for education seems at an all time low, anything that the private sector can do to fill the gap is welcome. I'm in!
I agree. It's brilliant. I like that they target elementary, middle, and high school students. According to the kickstarter site, Texas is ahead of California in contributions...gotta stand up for my state and get those numbers higher!
How about a tax break for time donated to local schools for actively teaching a subject? Or at least a way for an employee to get a couple hours off every month to attend a school to teach what they know?
How about a tax break for time donated to local schools for actively teaching a subject? Or at least a way for an employee to get a couple hours off every month to attend a school to teach what they know?
Tim, I agree. It is nice to see education initiatives posted on Kickstarter. I truly hope this initiative receives the funding because its vital for our society to have an electronics technology awarness. Also, it will keep a pool of Electrical-Electronic Engineers available for future tech jobs!
Hi, T.J. Yes, some time off from a job to teach or volunteer at a school would help students and teachers, but I don't know of any companies that make provisions for such a thing. At one time Apple gave employees a sabbatical, and it still might. A "sabbatical" of an afternoon a week to teach or assist kids makes a lot of sense. Companies and schools would need some sort of curriculum so volunteers wouldn't just show up and "hang out" with students. Some teachers and administrators get prickly, though, when approached about getting assistance from non-teachers. They think their teachers know everything and often shun outside assistance. Sad but true; and I have run into this situation here.
It IS a great idea. I hope the US Gov't takes note of this. A strong example of private industry working in a free market, to strengthen the economy and provide education for the future. As it should be; growth and strength by the people, for the people -- without bureaucratic intervention and need to control.
JimT, Yes, sometimes the best solutions to problems is from people bootstrapping their own resources. Today's society is based on people solving problems using skills and knowledge they have instead of dependency from government agencies. The red tape can really slow down progress.
I agree completely, Scott. Simply putting a new emphasis on technology in schools is a step in the right direction. I remember in the 80s when Apple started pushing computers into school. They won a good portion of a whole generation by going into schools.
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