NAUC Launches New Computer Science Program

NEWBURGH – The Newburgh Armory Unity Center (NAUC) Board of Trustees, in collaboration with the Excelsior Academy – a New York State P-Tech School at the Newburgh Free Academy, kicked-off a new, innovative Computer Science Program on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. The program has been made possible with funding from The Elaine and William Kaplan Foundation.

The first of two classes are for students in Second through Fourth grades at 5:30 PM and the next for Fifth through Eighth grades beginning at 7:00 PM. A total of 32 students have signed up for the first 12-week session and there is a long waiting list. A complete, state-of-the-art computer science lab has been designed and completed in the lower level of the Armory.

“The opportunities at NAUC as we see it today,after just four years of operation, are a direct result of our mission of creating an atmosphere that fosters education and opportunity for Newburgh’s youth.”said William Kaplan, the Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors. “This program will allow our students to compete on an equal, if not advanced basis in this essential curriculum.”

Certified instructors will teach classes with assistance from student facilitators who are currently enrolled in the Excelsior Program’s advanced computer classes at Newburgh Free Academy.  Because the 12-week program will build upon itself, attendance at all classes is crucial.  Parental involvement is stressed with a mandate to fan the flames of their child’s curiosity, ask questions and be involved in their projects and accomplishments.Students only need to show up and participate. Hands-on work is the heart of this program with plenty of opportunity to advance as they progress to a complete understanding of the curriculum.
The Computer Science class is the latest of many incredible educational programs being offered at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center.  This is a unique collaboration between the NAUC and the Newburgh Enlarged City School District and the Excelsior Program. There is no cost to the city, state, county, federal or school district for this 12-week program that is underwritten by NAUC.

Daniel Svarczkopf, certified instructor, states, “The ultimate goal of the Computer Science Program is that if a student begins in the Second Grade and completes the four-year program they will be capable of doing the same work as a college freshman in a Computer Science program as they enter high school.”