Nokomis Students Lead Technology Learning Across Maine through MLTI SLAM

Recent Slam Showcase at Pemetic Elementary School

Students from Nokomis High school are using their technology skills for good as a part of the MLTI SLAM program, a statewide initiative sponsored by the Maine Department of Education. I’ve had the amazing opportunity the past 3 years to be a part of this program. The program, short for Student Leadership Ambassadors of Maine, gives students hands-on experience in digital creativity, leadership, and education. Each week the team takes center stage in producing the SLAM show, a live broadcast that explores creative digital tools and tech based learning.

Once a month, we bring that energy on the road for the SLAM Showcase- events hosted at schools throughout Maine. Our advisor Mr. Kern Kelley explained it perfectly, “The showcases are a chance for students and teachers to learn new tools together,” he said. “Everything we use is free and web based, so anyone can keep using it after we leave.” The idea is for students to learn, create, and share. Mr. Kelley told me how the SLAM program began in 2021–2022 during COVID. It began as a way for students to connect virtually, as an after school club when after school programs weren’t happening. Now, just a few years later it’s grown into something much larger. Kelley said that we have done more than 60 showcases across Maine, from Fort Kent to Noble we have been to all 4 corners of the state.

SLAM Experience First Hand

At Nokomis, we are lucky to be able to help this program run statewide. Each one of us has a role in something that is bigger than ourselves. We practice each week during the Slam Show which helps us get ready for the Slam Showcase. Personally I’ve helped set up for live events, present to students, and even handle logistics like dinner reservations when our team is on the road. It has taught me organization, communication and leadership in ways that I didn’t expect.

Annie Nyce interviewing a student from Pemetic Elementary School

I’m not the only one who has learned a lot from our SLAM program. Member Maddie Ervin shares what matters most to her about being a part of the program, “Being able to travel around and teach other people about what I know has helped me build communication skills and confidence when presenting.” For Hallie Coots, one of our hosts, the experience has been just as transformative. “It’s an amazing opportunity to grow as a public speaker and teach other kids. You also learn problem solving especially when helping younger students with technology.” Mallory Smith added that what she loves the most is meeting new people and seeing new parts of the state. Smith has learned the importance of time management and patience especially when working with students who are just learning to use a laptop for the first time.

During our most recent showcase at Pemetic Elementary in Mount Desert Island I met with Stephanie McGruder, an ambassador for the Department of Education who was teaching Canva to students. She says, “What fascinates me about SLAM is watching high school students do things most adults can’t even do. You’re creative, genuine, and willing to teach others-it’s incredible to see.”

Why does this matter?

Being a part of SLAM has shown me that leadership doesn’t just mean being in charge, it means sharing what you know, helping others learn and finding your voice. Whether you code virtually, host live shows, we’re building skills that will stick with us far beyond high school. As Mr. Kelley said, “It’s a great chance to travel, learn, and give back to the community while having fun with technology.” And I couldn’t agree more.

As technology continues to shape the world around us, the work we are doing through SLAM will become more important. Programs like SLAM, show how powerful technology can be when students take the lead in teaching and learning. The experience gives us confidence not just with being able to teach these tech tools, but to innovate with them, and help others grow. As the next generation we’re not just keeping up with technology we are helping shape how its used in the classrooms and communities across Maine and beyond.