Raspberry Pi Workshops Return to Oak Hill Collaborative

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Mahoning Valley schools and organizations can once again take advantage of in-person Raspberry Pi workshops at the Oak Hill Collaborative to teach students computing skills.

More than 300 students have already completed the workshop since Oak Hill introduced the program in 2017, according to a press release. Skills gained seek to increase digital equity and reduce the digital divide, according to the release.

“We’re excited to announce that we will offer Raspberry Pi workshops at Summit Academy and Youngstown Community School starting in April,” Oak Hill Executive Director Pat Kerrigan said in the release. “And we have capacity to conduct additional school workshops this year.”

Launched in 2012, Raspberry Pi is a small, low-cost computer that was developed to teach basic computer science in schools and developing countries. Students learn to build and program their own Raspberry Pi computer to take home when complete.

Oak Hill suspended in-person workshops during the COVID-19 pandemic, but held some virtual programs during that time. But as schools return to in-person learning, the Raspberry Pi workshops are starting up again. Six one-hour workshops are conducted once weekly for six weeks.

“At the United Way, we recognized the need for getting students interested in computers at a young age,” said Bob Hannon, president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. “By partnering with the Oak Hill Collaborative and offering their Raspberry Pi workshops as part of our Success After 6 Program, we are able to teach youngsters about computers in a fun and exciting atmosphere.

“It sets them on the pathway for future success,” Hannon said.

Those interested in Raspberry Pi workshops can call Kerrigan at 330 518 5884.

Pictured: Anthony Hake leads a Raspberry Pi class at Southside Academy in 2019.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.