The Austin Foundation is excited to announce the launch of NEXTGEN, an innovative digital literacy program designed specifically for middle school students at John R King Performing Arts and Academy. The program, which runs on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3-5 PM, aims to equip 6th to 8th graders with critical digital literacy and coding skills that are essential for their future academic and professional endeavors.

NEXTGEN is a dynamic after-school initiative that integrates digital citizenship principles with hands-on projects in HTML, CSS, and Python, fostering a curriculum that merges skill-based learning with thematic exploration. By encouraging students to engage with technology through various lenses—creative expression, career preparation, and environmental innovation—NEXTGEN aims to position young learners to excel in a technology-driven world.

"Our mission at The Austin Foundation has always been to empower and engage the community through innovative educational resources," said Cydney Hill, Director of The Austin Foundation. "With NEXTGEN, we are thrilled to provide a platform where young minds can grow as confident digital creators and thinkers, ready to tackle the challenges of the digital age."

The program's objective is to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities in students, preparing them to become responsible digital innovators. By participating in NEXTGEN, students will not only enhance their digital literacy but also develop a deeper understanding of how technology can be used responsibly and innovatively to make a positive impact on their world.

For more information about NEXTGEN and other programs offered by The Austin Foundation, please visit www.theaustinfoundation.org.