Dallas ISD students get hands-on experience at a local design agency

Dallas ISD’s Computer Science amp; Technology department, in partnership with the Dallas Education Foundation, provided an opportunity for students to see STEM in action at 900lbs, a design agency that specializes in interactive, visual storytelling content and innovation. The team at 900lbs presented demonstrations on how they help industry and the military enhance their work through the use of virtual and augmented reality simulations. This exposure highlighted to students the unlimited creative potential that is possible through the use of digital technologies.

“These students are the future of our community, so we need to invest the time to make sure they get, at an early age, an understanding of their potential interests and talents so they can find what they’re passionate about,” said Steve Deitz, founder and CEO of 900lbs.

The students were able to see firsthand how the computer science skills they are learning in the classroom are applied in a real-world setting. Exposure to opportunities like this will help to stimulate interest in learning more about technology through P-TECH and Career Institute pathways in high school.

 “Going to 900lbs was an amazing field trip and probably one of the best I’ve had.  One reason it was good was all the digital work they did, which showed how this would be a good career path. Next year I’ll be in a P-TECH program that will allow me to have my degree in Computer Sciences. Since I’ll be in a more digital pathway for high school and college, the careers presented today gave me an idea of what I want to do for a job when I finish my education,” said Tairyana, a J.P. Starks student. 

Schools that participated in the 900lbs field trip: 

• Raul Quintanilla Sr. Middle School STEAM Academy
• George Bannerman Dealey Montessori Academy
• J.P. Starks Math Science and Technology Vanguard 
• Thomas J. Rusk Middle School
• L.V. Stockard Middle School
• E.D. Walker Middle School