School's Out Program (In-person)

Empowering children with the skills they need to become lifelong digital citizens. 

The SFU Surrey – TD Community Engagement Centre has partnered with the Surrey School District Community School’s Partnership Department to develop and implement the School's Out program based on our innovative “Empower MEdia” curriculum. This after-school program focuses on digital citizenship for children in grades 5-7 and is being supported by the United Way School's Out grant.

In an increasingly digital world where children and youth are expected to use digital tools for purposes of education, information, social connection, and entertainment, digital citizenship education is of vital importance to empower and protect young people online. The School's Out program will engage students in grades 5-7 with important topics on digital citizenship in ways that encourage creativity, exploration, acquisition of new knowledge and empowerment. Topics may include but are not limited to: health and well-being online, privacy, safety, digital footprint, digital commerce, identity, relationships, communication/etiquette, cyberbullying, news/media literacy and social media wellness.

The no-cost after-school program will be run at a local elementary school in Surrey BC, where children in grades 5-7 will engage with Simon Fraser University students and Surrey School District staff in a fun, informative, and supportive environment.

The program's curriculum and activities have been packaged and shared here for the benefit of groups hoping to replicate this program.