Have a computer that’s acting up? Want to know how to keep your identity safe online? Wish you understood that phone app your teen is using? Never fear! The “Alpha-Bytes” Computer Science Honor Society at Michigan City High School has you covered.
Alpha-Bytes will host a “Tech Support Saturday” event on Saturday, February 24 at Michigan City High School, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will kick off with a cyber safety presentation from 10:00 - 10:30, followed by open hours for training and device repair. Members of the public are invited to bring desktop computers, laptops, tablets, phones, and other devices in need of repair; students will diagnose problems and provide basic fixes on-site. Devices in need of more extensive repairs will be diagnosed at the event and returned to the owner at a later date.
As possible, parts needed for repairs will be offered at no cost, thanks to a grant from the Computer Science Teachers Association.
Members of the public who are planning to bring a device for repair should complete a work order in advance at http://educateMC.net/alphabytes.
On Tech Support Saturday, students will also accept donations of devices, which they will refurbish and provide to local families in need through a partnership with the Salvation Army of Michigan City.
“Our students are excited to share their expertise,” said MCHS Computer Science teacher Carlos Melendez, who is the Computer Science Honor Society advisor. “This event will allow them to practice their technical skills and benefit the community, which is a win for everyone.”
According to Melendez, service is a key component of the newly established MCHS Computer Honor Society chapter, which inducted its first members in September. In November, several students who are also members of the MCHS Esports team raised $730 for the Children’s Miracle Networks through a 12-hour live gaming marathon on Twitch.
Melendez says the Alpha-Bytes are also seeking other opportunities for community service and outreach. The group hopes to make presentations to local seniors and other groups about cyber safety. For more information, contact Carlos Melendez at cmelendez01@educatemc.net or call (219)873-2044 ext 4580.
To qualify for induction in the MCHS Computer Science Honor Society, students must have been enrolled at MCHS for at least one semester, receiving a B or better in a Computer Science Course. MCHS offers eight courses in Computer Science, with pathways in both Computer Science and Cybersecurity.
Visitors for the Tech Support Saturday event should park in front of Michigan City High School (8466 W. Pahs Road) and enter through Door P near the auditorium.
