YouthSpark Hub
By Leslie Crenna,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Microsoft's youth programs offer vast tech opportunities.
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YouthSpark Hub
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What’s It About?
Microsoft YOUTHSPARK HUB hooks kids up with various technology-centered youth programs and opportunities. On the main page, they'll scroll through bright panels with hip photos, infographics, videos, and a blog. You can search by the skill you'd like to gain (for example, "build an app" or "understand a database"), or you can "Find Your Passion" by checking out various occupations (doctor, nonprofit founder). There's also a list of meaty Microsoft-sponsored programs, such as the Imagine Cup, a tech competition, or DigiGirlz, aimed at high school girls who want to know more about careers in tech. Non-Microsoft offerings include MakeYourJob.org, a game-based entrepreneurship program with prizes and professional advisors.
Is It Any Good?
YouthSpark Hub gathers up Microsoft's extensive educational and social programs and puts them all in one place, where motivated kids, parents, and teachers can access them easily. Although the interface could be more streamlined (all the overlapping layers can be a bit bothersome), there's a straightforward and nearly complete list of the widely diverse offerings, including school-based digital literacy, Microsoft store mini-camps, research blogs, online classes, mentorships, competitions, free software downloads, certification resources, and video instruction. Whew! There are lots of points of entry depending on what your kids are looking for; they can search by age, personal goals (learn to code, run a business), activities (win prizes, get inspired), skills, or job titles. Although non-tech jobs such as doctor, fashion designer, teacher, and environmentalist are included, kids interested in becoming software engineers, game developers, entrepreneurs, or even nonprofit founders are more likely to find what they need here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the balance between career goals and personal goals and how best to merge the two.
Talk to your kids about the role technology plays in their lives. Where would learning more help with future opportunities?
Website Details
- Subjects: Science : engineering, Social Studies : citizenship, cultural understanding, global awareness
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning : applying information, thinking critically, Creativity : combining knowledge, innovation, making new creations, Self-Direction : achieving goals, initiative, set objectives, work to achieve goals, Collaboration : group projects, meeting challenges together, teamwork, Tech Skills : digital creation, using and applying technology
- Genre: Educational
- Pricing structure: Free to try, Paid, Free
- Last updated: February 10, 2020
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