Four High School/High Tech Students Receive Laptop Computers

Feb. 2, 2011 - PRLog -- Four Southwest Florida high school students are better equipped for their futures, thanks to a donation from the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST), The Able Trust, and Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida (http://www.goodwillswfl.org).  The students received their Dell Latitude laptop computers during a recent luncheon at Goodwill’s North Fort Myers headquarters.

The students, from Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties, are part of Goodwill’s High School/High Tech (HS/HT) program, which provides high school students with disabilities the opportunity to explore careers and postsecondary education.  The program is funded by The Able Trust and the Florida Department of Education.

Susanne F. Homant, President and CEO of The Able Trust, says that the agency is excited about the opportunity for High School/High Tech students to receive technology that they might not otherwise have access to.

“We hope this opens doors for you,” said Homant.  “This piece of technology will help you to move forward, and hopefully add something positive to your lives.”

Marcy Benton, a member of The Able Trust’s board of directors, was also present as the students received their laptops.  “I see this as a huge opportunity for you,” said Benton.  “This program is providing you an equal opportunity to access information.”

Jacob Cuellar, a HS/HT student at LaBelle High School, appreciates the new access he has to technology.  “It will help me with my homework, and help me find a job,” Cuellar said.  “It’ll help me with my future.”

That sentiment was echoed by Sean O’Rawe of Charlotte High School.  “It will help me with my homework and make up credits at school.”  O’Rawe also smiled and added, “and it’ll even let me know if my favorite team won.”

Also receiving computers were Steven Arthur of Moore Haven Junior/Senior High School and Scott Traniello of Charlotte High School.  

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. (http://www.goodwillswfl.org) provides programs and services designed to help people with disabilities and other disadvantages overcome their barriers to independence.  In 2010, more than 16,000 Southwest Floridians received assistance from Goodwill, including 89 HS/HT students in Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties.

For more information about Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida and its High School/High Tech program, please visit http://www.goodwillswfl.org.

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About Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida:
Goodwill operates 25 thrift stores in SW Florida to support its mission of removing barriers to independence. Programs include income-sensitive housing, career placement assistance, the L.I.F.E. Academy Charter School, Four Wheels for Work, and others.