Two Variety Boys’ and Girls’ Club Members Win App Lab Contest 2019

NATO of California/Nevada (NATO) just learned that two members of the Variety Boys’ and Girls’ Club in Boyle Heights won the Lenovo sponsored App Lab Contest on MyFuture sponsored by the national Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) using skills they learned in the NATO of CA/NV Digital Media Center. Under the direction of staff member Lulu Anguiano the students, Joanna and Alexander, each came up with the concept and design for an app; below are additional details about their projects.  In notifying NATO Patricia Siqueiros, the Club’s Executive Director, said “THANK you for your continuous investment in our Club and especially members.  Because of NATO of CA/NV's generous financial support our Club members are able to dream of a world beyond Boyle Heights.  THANK you!!!"

App Name: City Planters App
Youth Name: Joanna P.

Description: I live in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, a city of apartments, houses, and businesses. There are very little trees, flowers or parks in my neighborhood. With my app, "City Planters," club members, community members, and parents can download the app and sign up to help plant trees and flowers in the neighborhood. "City Planters" will help the city become more beautiful and safer for children to play outside. "City Planters" will also help the environment because more trees will be growing in big neighborhoods. With the "City Planters" app, you can also find upcoming dates on the next tree planting event. You will also be able to donate supplies like dirt, trees, seeds, and flowers. "City Planters" app will also locate areas in the community that need trees and show photos of all the work City Planters have completed. My app will be successful because community members, club members, and parents want more green areas for play time. The "City Planters" app will also be successful because people want to breathe cleaner air.

App Name: A Variety Boys & Girls Club App
Youth Name: Alexander G.

Description:  I created an app for the Variety Boys & Girls Club because parents and club members can keep up to date with events at the club. As a member of the club, many events and field trips take place throughout the year. Members and parents are informed about events through flyers or phone calls. With the "Variety Boys & Girls Club" app members and parents can see a calendar of events and field trips, reducing the amount of paper being used. The "Variety Boys & Girls Club" app will also show department schedules so that members can choose what classes they would like to sign up for. Parents and members can also learn more about the classes and staff members through the app. The app will also let parents sign permission slips for field trips, making it easier on the parent and child. I know my friends and I lose our field trip slips often, but with the app, I can have my parents fill out the form directly on their phone. Parents can also enroll their child through the "Variety Boys and Girls Club" app. This app will be successful with members, parents and staff because it allows everyone to stay up to date with events. Flyers and announcements will no longer be necessary with the app saving a lot of paper and reducing waste. The app will also allow members to explore different departments and classes easily. Parents and members can also see a gallery of photos of field trips, events, and projects posted on the app.