What is the Timothy Smith network?

The Timothy Smith Network (TSN) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to bridging the digital divide for underprivileged communities in Boston. Though the situation has been improving, digital and STEM fields continue to be exclusionary, requiring specific teaching or tech devices that can be expensive and out of reach. The TSN offered three programs this summer: Elevated Agricultural Tech (EAT), Tech your Health (TYH) and Digital Design Intensive (DDI), where I was an instructor. Each program was composed of around 10 interns, from ages 14 to 18, led by 3 Laidlaw Scholars. The TSN provided all the devices, such as laptops, Arduino kits and 3D printing stations.

The interns had 6 weeks to learn how to use the technology and software to complete their prototypes and portfolios, while our role as scholars was to support them in that task. This means part of our time was spent teaching them the skills and software needed to complete their projects.

What did I do?

The DDI program combined design, 3D modelling and programming. During this time, the students produced varied products and compiled them into a portfolio website, coded using HTML and CSS. My teaching role was in 3D modelling and Game Design.

I tried to base my teaching on the versatility and real-world applications of 3D modelling, showing projects across many fields, from civil and mechanical engineering to medicine or art.

We began with Tinkercad, an intuitive software for beginners. As they quickly grew familiar with it, we moved on to Codeblocks, introducing coding principles into 3D modelling, and enabling animated designs. As their projects became more complex, I moved on to teach Microsoft Fusion, a more precise and advanced tool in 3D modelling, the standard industry software.

Lastly, combining these ideas of design, modelling and programming, the last software I instructed was the Unreal Editor for Fortnite, an edition of the Unreal Engine made available for free by Epic Games. With it, the interns learned about visual effects, interactive 3D modelling and animation, creating their own gaming projects.

The DDI instructors and talented interns  

What did I learn?

Firstly, now I admire teachers even more - it is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding position. It constantly put me on the spot, pushing me out of my comfort zone, which made it a great chance to learn and practice leadership.

One of the key lessons I'm taking away is the importance of positive reinforcement and encouragement. Even when it might seem obvious, acknowledging effort, in a natural and non-patronising manner, goes a long way and everyone needs to hear it. I was so surprised to notice it even in myself - It felt great to feel acknowledged for my work by the students. However, this also made me more self-aware to not seek validation, but look for feedback instead, because it was much more rewarding to improve during the program and see the interns' great results in the end.

These approaches helped create a positive and supportive environment to lead in. Encouraging interns to share about themselves and showing I cared for them, adapting my teaching to their needs and suggestions, naturally built real connections and mutual respect over time. Small competitions and prizes were also effective motivators, creating healthy competition among the students.

Overall, this experience was incredibly rewarding. I'm so glad we encouraged many interns to go into STEM, but I'm also hoping we had an extended social impact. The TSN President Milton Irving often speaks of the “kitchen table” analogy—how each teen brings what they’ve learned home, discussing it with family and friends, which extends the reach of the program. It goes beyond the technical skills, the interns were curious and would ask about global politics and our countries of origin. We exchanged contacts to help them with questions or applications, and I already have gotten a few messages.

Finally, I'm very grateful to the TSN, Laidlaw Foundation and the brilliant Laidlaw Scholars I worked with. I’m taking so much from this experience and I am excited to use what I learned there for my next projects, especially with other NGOs.