ABOUT
IT COMPUTER WIZKIDS

To empower youth and seniors with the confidence to get involved in IT (Information Technology) digital age by creating a fun, exciting, learning environment. BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND RELATIONSHIPS BY UNDERSTANDING COMPUTERS

OUR MISSION

The mission of IT Computer Wiz Kids (Wiz Kids) is to prepare youth with the job training and confidence to pursue careers in Information Technology (IT) and the computer industry in a fun, exciting, learning environment. Our Techno Savvy Seniors program bridges the digital divide for seniors to have basic and up to date technology skills to have a more active social life.

PHILOSOPHY

Computer Building, Gaming and Problem Troubleshooting

Building lives by building computers

Network Engineering & Cyber Security

Protecting the network of our lives

Coding/Language Programming, App Development

Changing lives one code at a time

Tech Art, Graphic Design, Multimedia & Beats

Using art to drive our creativity

Extra Credit Financial Solutions LLC

Banking, Budgeting, Credit, Entrepreneurship, Professional Development and Savings

ABOUT US

IT Computer Wiz Kids, Inc. (WizKids) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization focusing on STEAM-ME (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, money management and etiquette). WizKids was formed for the advancement of youth and young adults in information technology (IT) and computer learning. It has successfully combined its community outreach efforts with those of existing organizations including non-profits, government agencies and private companies since its inception in January 2009. New to Southern California, WizKids will leverage its incredible success in Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland by continuing its focus on serving underprivileged and at-risk youth in socio-economically diverse populations.

Activities are conducted around the school-year calendar with classes held during class, after school and on weekends. Students who demonstrate sufficient interest and proficiency are mentored and trained as peer mentors who teach parts of the course curriculum. WizKids continues to attract adult IT professionals who demonstrate a passion to guide youth and young adults for careers in information technology. Through strong mentorship, participants not only acquire technical expertise but social and life skills that enable them to navigate some of the challenges that they may encounter.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

One program highlight is that students learn the various facets of Electronic Etiquette: How to develop and use proper modes of communication, how to explore online safely, the fundamentals of internet ethics, and how to develop safe, healthy, and respectful relationships online. As a result, students will learn the proper use of social media networks that enhance academic and workplace interactions.

WHAT WE DO

We offer two types of classes, a two hour “Computer Petting Zoo” to introduce our program. An eight-week program and a sixteen-week program after school for one and a half hour to two hours is an introduction to computer building coding. The 20 week or half year program includes the introduction to computer building, as well as our Wiz Kids Help Desk Initiative--A+ Certification Career Preparation in installing and configuring operating systems. The program follows our "You Build It You Keep It" motto--each student gets to take home a Dell computer, monitor, keyboard and mouse that they have built and configured that they build during the program.

As they progress, participating youths will disassemble and reassemble computers, identify computer component, acquire techniques to troubleshoot, maintain and protect computer equipment. IT Computer Wiz Kids employs experiential learning tools in a fun and exciting learning environment shows youth the structure of corporate help desks, networking, cybersecurity. The synergy created between students and the instruction team promotes self-empowerment and technical proficiency. The cutting-edge educational skills youths attain provides them with a bridge from possibly being considered at-risk to becoming productive and self-sufficient adults.

OUR STORY

In January 2009, Gerard Cooper, Founder and CEO created IT Computer Wiz Kids, Inc. to specialize in training children and young adults in IT, computer troubleshooting and repair techniques coding and programming. The program’s activities are developed by Mr. Cooper, who has maintained a successful career in the IT field spanning over 20 years. This venture began as his response to help his teenage sons focus their intellects and energy in a positive manner. His sons, who were in danger of failing school, expressed great interest in learning about computers. As a result, Mr. Cooper decided to provide his sons with a comprehensive, hands-on education in computer repair and troubleshooting as a gateway to learning about technology. Both young men are now employed full-time in IT. By working with his sons, Mr. Cooper discovered a passion for teaching young people, and eventually decided to start a computer and technology program to assist other youth.

Techno Savvy Seniors (TSS) Computer Connection

WizKids also provides a Techno Savvy Seniors program which teaches basic and up to date technology skills to seniors. This program has been shown to impact activities of daily living for 100% of the participants. WizKids has proven success in integrating this program with State Initiatives and privately held and commercially owned Senior Centers and Assisted Living communities.

In 2018, Joseph Cooper joined WizKids and brought his extensive IT background and knowledge to the Company as Vice President. In this capacity he will focus on expanding the Techno Savvy Seniors Program to the Southern California region.