The "FUNDay Partners" were immersed into a world of technology as soon as their Sony Lab experience began. Each student received an electronic ID card that activated each activity throughout the Lab. Before exploration could begin, the cards were personalized with a digital photo and voice sample. Beginning on the top floor, the children and their buddies followed a descending pathway called the "Communications Bridge," an interactive timeline of many major pieces of technology, including the telephone, television and personal computer. Winding their way back to the ground floor, they entered the "Technology Workshop" and participated in music engineering, special effects design and computer simulations. Upon leaving the Sony Lab, students swiped their cards to log out and received a diploma with their picture and a list of all the workshops they took part in.

For a couple FUNDay buddies, the trip was a reunion, allowing students who met up with volunteers at the February Build-A-Bear outing to catch up on the last six months. In the program’s second year, the impact of veteran buddies should play an even larger role in improving the social and emotional skills of Partnership’s students.

Click here to see pictures from last month's event!