By: Richard L. Smith
The Urban League’s Tech House on Littleton Avenue closed out its summer session with an inspiring showcase that left parents, educators, and partners beaming with pride. 
Students who spent the summer immersed in technology, creativity, and problem-solving unveiled their final capstone projects before a packed audience, and the results were nothing short of extraordinary.
From awesome short films produced in the video and film department/studio where I was instrumental in developing at The Tech House three years ago, to math presentations that blended problem-solving with real-world applications, to coding projects that proved just how quickly young people can master complex concepts, the energy in the room reflected the spirit of innovation.
I witnessed each project was a testament to the knowledge, teamwork, and creativity students carried with them through the summer.
Adding to the excitement, on Thursday, August 14th, I was among a team of six representatives from Audible, the Newark-based global audiobook and spoken-word entertainment company, who joined the celebration to listen to and review the students’ work.
Audible has been a steadfast supporter of the Tech House and other Newark initiatives, giving back generously to programs that empower the next generation.
Their presence stressed the importance of community partnerships in driving student success.
Tech House Director Darrin Sharif called this one of the best summers the program has ever hosted, noting the remarkable growth he witnessed in the students.
“These young people put their hearts into their projects, and it showed,” Sharif said.
“We’re grateful to the Urban League and to partners like Audible who continue to support these opportunities and invest in Newark’s future leaders.”
While the summer program has ended, the Tech House is already looking forward.
Beginning this fall, Saturday classes will be offered, giving students the chance to continue exploring many of the same subjects, filmmaking, coding, 3D printing, and math, that made the summer such a success.
For students across Newark and Essex County, the Tech House has proven itself to be more than a camp. 
It’s a launchpad for future innovators, a place where young people discover new skills, gain confidence, and see firsthand how technology can shape their futures.
And with the momentum from this summer, the excitement is already building for what next year will bring.