Local Teens Lead the Way

Teens from under-resourced communities in Newark and surrounding areas will take center stage at an upcoming local STEM outreach event. Organized by The TechShare Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing and amplifying the talent and perspectives of underserved youth, the event will take place at the Newark Public Library's main branch on Saturday, March 8th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

TechShare approaches STEM education with the understanding that students from under-resourced communities possess immense untapped potential, fresh perspectives, and a deep understanding of how to address challenges within their communities. Through its mentorship program, TechShare empowers these teens to become leaders, equipping them with technical skills and creating opportunities for them to teach others—demonstrating that they are not just learners but also changemakers.

During the upcoming event, these teen mentors will lead hands-on tech-demo lessons, including Arduino microcontroller tutorials, circuitry workshops, coding activities, and creative explorations of the intersection between art and technology. Members of the local community are invited to attend, learn from, and be inspired by these talented young leaders as they share their knowledge and skills. Attendance is limited, so interested participants are encouraged to sign up early using this registration form.

Mentorship in Action

TechShare’s mentorship program, led by Matthew Herbert and Abby Hsu, lies at the heart of the organization’s mission. By empowering teens to step into leadership roles, the program builds confidence, fosters creativity, and enables participants to see themselves as agents of change.

“These teens bring incredible talent and fresh perspectives to the table,” said Herbert. “By empowering them to lead and collaborate, we’re fostering a movement of mentorship and innovation, preparing a new generation to shape the future.”

Hsu emphasized, “As technology develops at an unprecedented pace, it’s essential to ensure that everyone has the tools to innovate and contribute to this transformation. This realization is what motivates us to lead and expand TechShare, dismantling the digital divide.”

Since its inception, TechShare has made remarkable strides, reaching over 6,000 students,
distributing 700 devices, and partnering with 15 organizations across five countries. Locally, the organization has hosted over 20 STEM workshops. These efforts earned TechShare the $1,500 NJIT Community Transformation Challenge Grant, recognizing its innovative, community-centered impact.

An Opportunity to Join the Movement

The March 8th event exemplifies the core values of TechShare’s mentorship program. By
attending, participants will not only gain exposure to cutting-edge technology but also witness the transformative power of mentorship—where talented teens turn their passion into action, building a brighter future for their communities and beyond.

For more information about TechShare and its initiatives, visit TechShare's website.