ANTHOLOGY – Hacker Stories From OSCON, All Things Open, and Node Interactive

Project Origins

The Asian Penguins project began as a creative solution to integrate technology into classrooms affordably. Stu Keroff, a social studies teacher, initiated this program by teaching students how to work with computers during spare time, eventually forming a club named after the Linux mascot, the penguin 1. The club's name reflects the Asian heritage of many students, primarily from the Mong and Kareni communities in St. Paul, Minnesota 1. Jerod Santo highlights the hacker spirit of the initiative, emphasizing its role in teaching technology to refugee children 2.

To have that spare 20 minutes and not waste it and use it well, and teach them about technology and invite them into that.

--- Jerod Santo

The project has grown into a larger organization, allowing other schools to form their own chapters under the Asian Penguins umbrella 2.

   

Student Empowerment

The Asian Penguins empower students by teaching them valuable tech skills and enabling them to contribute to their community. Stu Keroff explains how the program repurposes donated computers, allowing students to install software and distribute them to families in need 3. This initiative addresses the digital divide, particularly for refugee families who cannot afford computers 3. Jerod Santo notes the importance of having an adult willing to take risks and learn alongside the students, emphasizing that technical expertise is not a prerequisite for starting such a program 4.

You don't have to be a developer. You don't have to be a sysad man. You have to be somebody who loves kids and you're willing to learn a few things and share what you know.

--- Stu Keroff

The program's success demonstrates how technology can be a powerful tool for education and community building 4.

   

Community Impact

The Asian Penguins have made a significant impact on their community by redistributing technology and fostering generosity among students. Stu Keroff shares the story of Le Ray, a student who received a computer from the program and later helped deliver computers to others, illustrating the cycle of giving 5. This initiative not only provides access to technology but also instills a sense of responsibility and generosity in students 5. Jerod Santo emphasizes the importance of sharing the program's model with other communities to inspire similar initiatives 6.

The Asian Penguins now gives a kid like him the opportunity to be the generous one, because now he gets to turn around and help other kids.

--- Stu Keroff

The program's success at the Community School of Excellence highlights the potential for technology to bridge gaps and create opportunities for underserved communities 6.