Making Opportunities for Upgrading Schools and Education

MOUSE runs a program known as Mouse Squad, which focuses on troubleshooting technical problems with computers in New York public schools;^[2] the program was founded in 2000.^[6] Students in the after-school activity first go through six months of human-centered design training, followed by six months of working on making a prototype product with a mentor.^[4] Students in New York City get a chance to graduate into a wing of the program known as Mouse Corps, which was founded sometime around 2008^[when?].^[4]

In addition to the Mouse Squad, MOUSE also sponsors more advanced^[how?] technical training, job shadow programs, and college-bound workshops for high school students,^[6] as well as providing expertise through industry partnerships.^{[1][clarification needed]} The organization communicates through its newsletter MOUSE Droppings and through conferences.^[1]

Sometime before 2001^[when?], the organization teamed up with Arthur Anderson to create the Young Women's Technology Club.^[1] As of 2000, the organization has about 1500 volunteers and an annual budget of nearly $2M.^[7] As of 2006, it has over 200 students representing 32 schools.^[8]

In its first official year, following two pilot seasons, 31 schools participated; the previous year, 13 schools did.^[2]

A study conducted by Fordham University found that 87% of students who joined the MOUSE Squad felt like participation improved their academic skills and 92% of them felt that it increased their desire to stay in school.^[9] According to a separate study, it saved a school $19,000 annually in technical support costs.^[9]

As of 2012, the organization has over 80 Mouse Squad programs,^[10] and was praised by Michael Bloomberg as "provid[ing] our city’s schools with the technological tools and support to keep our children competitive in the information age."^[11]

On 4 April 2013, John C. Liu visited a MOUS program in Washington Heights, Manhattan.^{[12][unreliable source?]} In a 2013 report, Liu recommended that MOUSE programs be offered at every public middle and high school.^[13]

On 13 November 2014, the MOUSE Squad at the Stephen A. Halsey School was honored by an official proclamation at a city hall.^[14] Among other things, the group works on 3D printing (including training other students and creating models of dinosaurs), creating games, Robotics, and helping to install new computers and printers.^[14]