Transforming Little Falls: A Technological Renaissance in Education

In the heart of Little Falls, NY, UpMobility sees technology as more than a tool; it is a bridge to opportunity. This philosophy is shaping the future for Little Falls City School District students through innovative tech programs that equip them for success in a rapidly evolving job market.

Unique Offerings at LFCSD

LFCSD stands out for its commitment to providing students with unique and valuable technology courses that not only spark their interest and enhance their education but also open doors to promising careers. The school offers a range of programs designed to prepare students for roles in the ever-growing tech industry. From coding and web development to robotics and podcasting, LFCSD is paving the way for students to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

One of the crown jewels of LFCSD is its popular STEAM program and computer lab. Here, students engage in hands-on projects, including building PCs, exploring 3D printing and modeling, diving into virtual reality (VR), flying drones, and working with robotics. This lab not only fosters creativity and innovation but also provides students with practical skills for today’s job market.

UpMobility: A Catalyst for Change

UpMobility, through the vision of its founder and Little Falls native Martin Babinec, is an initiative designed to foster empowerment and inclusivity to achieve meaningful and sustainable impact. UpMobility’s grant funding for LFCSD provides technology infrastructure, support, and comprehensive tech training and resources. Also, by partnering with local businesses and other educational institutions, UpMobility creates pathways for students to gain real-world experience and skills in technology. This initiative is crucial for fostering a tech-savvy community and providing opportunities to keep talented students in Little Falls after graduation.

Technology Integration from Benton Hall through Graduation

Technology integration begins at Benton Hall, where students learn essential skills as the foundation for their entire educational journey. The technology program at LFCSD is built on three key pillars to ensure comprehensive access for all students:

1. A scaffolded technology curriculum that builds progressively on students' skills each year
2. A one-to-one student-to-device ratio guarantees that every student has access to the necessary technology
3. A robust support infrastructure to maintain smooth operations, minimize downtime, and provide ongoing faculty support

High School students building the new graphics lab

Inspiring Stories of Former Students

Four students, all Little Falls natives, illustrate the scope and impact of the Little Falls tech initiative.  Kevin Ciulla, Kirtdeep Narain, Kyle Stevens, and Connor Baylor built on technology opportunities in Little Falls to pursue tech degrees and careers in tech. Today, these young men are paying it forward to their community and supporting technology for the next generation of Little Falls students. They work for Trusted Technologies LLC, a Little Falls and Connecticut-based business, that manages grants and implements the school system’s technology support program.

Kevin Ciulla is Trusted Tech’s Senior Systems Specialist and the company’s very first hire right out of high school. Kevin began his career as Little Falls HS’s first technology intern. He recalls,  “There were absolutely no tech programs when we were in Little Falls High School, only a typing class. I reached out to the principal to volunteer to work on Chromebooks.” Kevin then parlayed his experience into his first job while he also attended college. Kevin earned his Associate's Degree in Cyber Security from Mohawk Valley Community College and graduated from Utica University with a Bachelor's in Cyber Security. Adam Pacchiana, President of Trusted Technologies says, "Kevin is an invaluable member of the Trusted Tech team, going above and beyond to help support and grow the company with his skills, enthusiasm, and innovative ideas. It’s been gratifying to watch Kevin level up his confidence and abilities even more during the years we've worked together.”

Little Falls native Kirt Narain, also a Senior Systems Specialist, was hired to further build out the technology department at LFCSD. He co-teaches Computer Information Systems I & II and Podcast Production. Kirt graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor's in Computer Science from SUNY Polytechnic Institute. 

Tech Support Specialist Kyle Stevens, the most recent addition to the team, is proving to be a valuable member of the Trusted Tech family. Kyle is a fellow Little Falls graduate who has chosen to stay and use his skills close to home. 

Connor Baylor is the most recent graduate from LFCSD and works part-time as a Tech Support Specialist while earning his cybersecurity degree at MVCC. Connor was hired the summer after graduation from LFHS where he took advantage of tech class offerings and interned in the tech department. 

Through the LFCSD administration’s dedication and grant funding from UpMobility, these former students help elevate the technology support throughout the school, roll out thousands of devices to students, and enhance the technology curriculum with hands-on assistance and co-teaching. 

Course Offerings and Student Benefits 

LFCSD offers a diverse range of courses designed to meet the needs of today’s job market. These programs equip students with technical skills and foster critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. Real-world projects, such as producing weekly podcasts or designing and printing 3D objects for classroom use, allow students to apply their knowledge in exciting ways. 

*See the full list of course offerings below. 

Students built the new computer lab’s high-end gaming PCs from scratch. Mathematics and Computer Science Teacher Lisa Wind described the enthusiasm she witnessed in her Computer Information Systems class:

“They enjoyed the opportunity to be part of the computer build and gain experience with the components. It was fantastic to see the student interest and participation!”

The esports team engages students who were typically less involved in school activities and seems to have positively impacted some students’ attendance and grades. Competitions are intense and exciting to watch. One parent thanked the coach on behalf of her son, stating:

“It's the first time in a long time he has wanted to participate in something school-related. He's really had a tough time these last few years, and this is giving him common ground with other kids and helping him feel like his interests are important.”

Students participating in drone soccer competition

Future Potential and Expanded Offerings

Looking ahead, LFCSD is exploring the potential for more tech offerings, such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. These courses will further enhance student learning and prepare them for a broader range of careers in technology. LFCSD aims to stay at the forefront of educational innovation by continuously adapting the curriculum to industry demands.

Real-World Applications

The skills and certifications gained through LFCSD’s tech programs have real-world applications. Students leave equipped with knowledge and practical experience that employers value. Internships and partnerships with local businesses provide opportunities for hands-on learning, ensuring that students are job-ready upon graduation.

Little Falls City School District’s commitment to technology education is more than just an academic initiative; it’s a community transformation. With visionaries like Martin Babinec leading the charge and programs like UpMobility paving the way, the future for students in Little Falls is bright, filled with opportunities that will shape their careers and their community for years to come.

* Full List of Course Offerings

• Engineering by Design: A comprehensive, Preschool-12th grade solution for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education 
• Foundations of Technology and Engineering: Prepares students to understand pre-engineering concepts focused on critical thinking and problem-solving
• Technology Design: Engineering scope, content, and professional practices are presented through practical applications
• S.T.E.A.M. Explorations I & II: Explore the world of robotics, drones, and 3D software including virtual reality, augmented reality, photography, animation, and video game design on an introductory level
• Aided Design and Drawing for Production: Introduction to a universal graphic language through which students can express ideas with creativity, clarity, and exactness
• Three-Dimensional Modeling/Prototyping: Creating solutions using 3D printing/modeling
• Advanced Robotics: Students will learn how to design, build, and program robots from basic components
• Drones I & II: Hands-on experiences building and flying drones (including visual, with goggles, and long-distance). Prepares students to pass the FAA 107 drone test. 
• Web Design: This hands-on Siena dual-enrollment course covers the history and development of the Internet, the Web, and the core technologies used to implement modern websites. 
• Podcast Production: Students produce a school podcast highlighting news, events, and recognitions in the Little Falls High School community, along with other topics of their choosing.
• Graphic Design: Teaches the fundamentals of graphic design through the creative process of combining art and technology to communicate ideas. 
• Computer Information Systems I & II: Provides a basic understanding of computer components including hardware and software.
• Discovering Computer Science I & II: An overview of the history, principles, and transformative applications of computer science, as well as a comprehensive introduction to programming.
• AP Computer Science Principles: This course examines the seven “Big Ideas” of computer science and six “Computational Thinking Practices” as specified by the College Board’s AP Computer Science Principles curriculum framework.