BECOME AN EAST STUDENT TRAINER

Become An EAST Student Trainer

One way we empower student growth is with hands-on training that connects EAST students with professional instructors who have real-world experience in their area. Can you imagine having to quickly convert over 70 in-person training sessions to virtual? The student training team basically created an EAST project and moved forward swiftly, providing an updated registration process and assistance with updated technology for quality production of content! Formally known as Student Technical Training, these sessions cover soft skills and technical skills that students can use to solve a problem in their community and prepare them to be successful in almost any industry that uses technology as a tool. For example, in a one or two-day class, students may build a movie set, shoot a short film, begin building a video game in Unreal Engine, create an Android or iOS app, repair a 3D printer, or write and give a professional presentation. Because of the variety of training topics offered, thousands of EAST students participated in training and engaged in unique experiences they wouldn’t get anywhere else.

With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to pause and rethink how we delivered training to EAST students. Even with smaller sessions and larger spaces strategically set up to support social distancing guidelines, in-person training for EAST was not an option. COVID sent EAST full-speed ahead in a direction we were gently exploring with student training and more virtual options.

Many of the instructors that lead student training sessions are industry certified professionals with years of experience and education. During the digital transition, it was essential to provide tools to the trainers as well as the facilitators of the various EAST programs. Simultaneously, they worked on updating in-person content in innovative ways while maintaining a sense of normalcy that students need. Our trainers also appreciate having the ability to lead a class from remote locations. It has offered a level of convenience for them and mostly removed travel costs. For those who opt to teach remotely, we offer every trainer a technology kit that allows them to drive a top tier webinar, and we provide one-onone support with one of our expert virtual team members. Those in close proximity to EAST headquarters have the option to lead their training sessions from the in-house studio built to accommodate all of the video and production needs to keep our network engaged. Instructors are still learning from EAST students, and the students are developing their skill sets to execute their passions better.

“As an out of state program, I really appreciate the virtual setup!! No travel & expenses. Kids don’t have to miss whole days of school!” -Allison Aday, Facilitator, Kiamichi Tech, McAlester

Becoming a student training instructor is a great place to start if you are new to the EAST network! Take our small quiz and see if you’re ready to join the team!

• Have you considered connecting with EAST students?

• Do you want to be involved in leaving a positive impact on a student’s life?

• Are you eager to share some skill or technology with young people all over the country?

“I like training EAST students because they are the future problem solvers for Arkansas and the world. In student-driven learning environments such as EAST, kids must have a solid foundation of knowledge of the tools they have at their disposal. This knowledge enables them to focus on community projects utilizing their tools instead of their projects being focused on how the tools and technology work. Learning how to use tools in real-world applications builds a kid’s self-esteem, critical thinking, and creativity. It’s leveled up-learning.“- Drew Wallis, Maker Made

For a full list of training sessions offer, visit our website EASTInitiative.org

>> Go to EASTlink.me/EASTtrainer and apply today!