Middle Schoolers Create Apps At Summer Camp

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Thirteen-year-old Aaliyah Trader, a rising 8th grader who attends Achievement First Endeavor Middle School in Brooklyn, rather than find another game to play, helped to create an app, motivated by a competition called Battle of the Apps.

The free app, Sharety, uses geolocation technology to help users find local charities and donate and was developed at "CEO Bootcamp", Career Exploration Opportunities, a summer program using app development competitions to spark student interest in entrepreneurship.

Kids who participate are exposed to entry-level computer programing skills and business management. Aaliyah, who likes to try something new, was motivated by the idea of sharing and creating a way for people to give to charities the things that they really need.

This project is part of a good strategy for summer days, where learning and having fun come together building skills and aspirations.