Behind a quiet door at Harrisburg Middle School, something unusual is happening. Instead of completing worksheets or reading from textbooks, students are removing tiny screws, replacing cracked screens, and addressing problems inside Chromebooks. With careful hands and focused attention, they work to restore devices that their classmates rely on every day. This is the Chrome Crew, a new elective that is giving middle school students a rare chance to develop real-world technology skills while serving their school community.

Because Chrome Crew is a pilot program, both students and staff are learning together as they build the foundation for something that could grow in the years ahead. To ensure the program started strong, Xerox sent a trainer to Harrisburg to work directly with Media Tech Aide Ryan Wilson and Media Specialist Michael Boglino, providing hands-on instruction in Chromebook diagnostics, repair procedures, and proper handling of internal components. After receiving their own training, Wilson and Boglino helped guide the students through the same process, allowing them to learn the skills firsthand. Wilson emphasized that the experience has been new and exciting for everyone involved, explaining that they are “all learning together.”

The program is in its first semester, and four students—Hudson Shaw, Lincoln Murphy, Dominic Cowsert, and Fynch Douglas—are leading the way. Each student works during a designated class period, learning to repair Chromebooks under the guidance of Media Tech Aide Ryan Wilson.

Wilson explained the role of the students clearly, saying, “Basically, we repair all the students’ Chromebooks that are broken.” With hundreds of devices used daily throughout the school, repairs are constant. Screens crack, keyboards wear down, and internal parts fail. Chrome Crew students step in to restore the devices, helping classmates stay connected to their learning.

For Dominic Cowsert, the hands-on nature of the class is exactly what drew him in. He has always enjoyed working with tools and solving mechanical problems. “I like to work on stuff,” he said. The class allows him to develop those interests while learning skills that could shape his future career.

Lincoln Murphy was equally interested in the opportunity, recognizing its practical value right away. He shared that it seemed like “a decent elective compared to others,” but quickly realized it offered much more than he expected. Lincoln hopes to apply what he learns beyond the classroom, explaining that he wants to be able to “fix anything around the house—computers, phones, and stuff.”

Seventh grader Hudson Shaw has embraced the challenge of learning something new. Rather than sticking to familiar tasks, he pushes himself to develop new abilities. “I like to do the things that I’m not really good at,” he said. Each repair builds his confidence, helping him realize that persistence leads to growth.

The work itself requires patience, precision, and responsibility. Students learn to safely open Chromebooks, disconnect batteries, replace damaged parts, and troubleshoot problems. Wilson provides guidance when needed but encourages independence so students can develop their own skills. Dominic described the experience by saying, “He helps us with our issues if we need it, but we usually work by ourselves.”

Beyond fixing devices, the program teaches students to think critically and solve problems. They also learn how to reuse parts from damaged devices, helping reduce waste while maintaining valuable resources. Boglino sees this as an important part of the learning process, explaining that students learn to reuse components and think carefully about how systems work.

Wilson believes the long-term impact of the program could be significant. “My goal is for them to be able to use this outside of school,” he said. “This is a very good skill to have, and they could get jobs with this once they’re out of high school.” Students who complete the course earn certificates recognizing their skills, giving them a strong foundation for future opportunities.

Boglino hopes the program will continue to grow. “We’re hoping that this turns into something in the high school that they can continue,” he explained. By introducing students to career-ready skills early, Chrome Crew helps them explore interests and discover potential career paths.