MOUSE Squad of California Congratulates Turlock Student for Earning Computing Aspirations Award

Online, March 12, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Karla Moreno, a sophomore at Turlock High School, has won the prestigious Aspirations in Computing Award from the Bay Area affiliate of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). Moreno, one of 25 Northern California high school women recognized for their accomplishments and aspirations in computing and technology, will be honored at The Tech Museum in San Jose, Calif. in March 2013.

Moreno is a member of Turlock High School's MOUSE Squad, an after school program that empowers California students by providing an online teaching model to develop students' Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills, as well as offering leadership opportunities through a student-run technology help desk and technology project-based activities.

Moreno stated in her application that MOUSE Squad teacher Robert Hoskins was "the person who inspired my interests in computing. He encouraged me to pursue in my aspirations in computing by letting me know what I was capable of. I saw how I could have a future in something I enjoy."

"Karla came to Turlock High School with goals and a drive to succeed," describes Marie Peterson, interim principal of Turlock High School." As a sophomore, she has worked hard to reach her goals. She plans on pursuing a degree in engineering and would like to eventually become an FBI agent to investigate cyber-crimes. We are proud of Karla's achievement and thankful that even after retiring as a full-time teacher, MOUSE Squad instructor, Bob Hoskins, continues to teach two periods fueling the dreams and ambitions of our students."

MOUSE Squad is a program of Aspiranet, a leading social services agency dedicated to supporting foster youth and families in California for 37 years.

About MOUSE Squad of California (MSCA)
MOUSE Squad of California Student Tech Leadership Program has been empowering youth to provide leading edge technical support in their schools and communities since 2003. MSCA provides innovative technology programming to 3,250 students in 22 California counties. Website: ca.mousesquad.org. Contact Jan Half, Program Director, [email protected], 408-712-5912.

About Aspiranet
Aspiranet, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity, supports foster children, siblings, families and the community with 35 core programs offering specialized services throughout 45 locations within California. Some of Aspiranet's programs include: treatment foster care, transitional housing, residential care, mental health counseling, family services, inclusion services for children with developmental challenges and therapeutic behavioral services and school based behavioral and educational supports.

Founded 37 years ago as a six-bed group home for young boys in Moss Beach, Calif., Aspiranet is one of the most diverse nonprofit social service agencies in the state. With a statewide network of innovative services, Aspiranet has served more than 15,000 families and children since its founding. For more information, please visit www.aspiranet.org.