Net Literacy is a nonprofit founded by students and currently run 50% by students. Its mission is to increase digital literacy by instituting learning programs and increasing computer access to children and seniors across the country. As part of their mission, Net Literacy recently donated refurbished computers to UWSJC. UWSJC was tasked with the responsibility of distributing the 70 computers to worthy organizations that have computer labs for the community’s youth or seniors, allowing the greatest number of individuals to benefit from the new technology.
UWSJC has divided the 70 computers between the following local programs:
Innovation Delta - The goal of this program is to serve 100 at-risk youths in 2012-2013 and will provide programming 5 days a week teaching courses ranging from aeronautical engineering to graphic design.
YMCA Robotics Team - The goal of this program is to serve 100 at-risk youths in 2012-2013 and will provide programming 5 days a week. Participants will learn to build a robot for a regional competition.
YMCA Camp Eberhart - This is a summer residential camp for over 2,000 children, ages 8-14. The computers will give campers an opportunity to learn on the computer as part of their summer programming.
National Council to Educate Black Children (NCEBC), the Charles Martin Youth Center and New Generations Ministries tutorial programs - These programs will serve youths in need of tutoring. Enrollment is limited to the number of computers available. An increase in computers means an increase in available spots.
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Reading Literacy Center - This program is an outgrowth of the United Way Community Education Impact Committee (CEIC) Latino Task Force. The computers will be used during ESL, GED & literacy remediation for Latino families with children K-12.
One of United Way’s areas of focus is education, striving to increase graduation rates. Supplying these computers to the programs that directly serve the youth of St. Joseph County and promote learning and education goes hand-in-hand with United Way’s focus.
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United Way of St. Joseph County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating long-lasting change, ensuring all residents have access to the building blocks to a better life: education, income and health. For more information about United Way of St. Joseph County, visit www.uwsjc.org, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @uwstjoecounty.
