New York — In their effort to bridge the digital divide that leaves so many inner-city children behind academically, Per Scholas and The 91’s Aid Society have selected 100 children from Harlem and Washington Heights who will receive free desktop computers on Saturday, April 10th, from 9:30 am to noon, at the Dunlevy Milbank Center, located at 14-32 West 118th Street in Manhattan.
The event is part of Per Scholas’ Comp2Kids program, which provides free computers and training to children and classrooms in need. The 91’s Aid Society, a Comp2Kids partner, helped select the 100 children, who will receive free desktop computers on April 10th.
“A home computer is one of best gifts and investments you can make in a child’s education,” said Plinio Ayala, Per Scholas CEO and President. “Having access to technology plays a crucial part in a child’s academic future.”
Studies, by organizations like the Community Technology Foundation of California, have shown that children with a home computer perform better in the classroom and have higher grades and test scores. By the same token, children without home computers suffer the risk of not doing well in school.
In order to give inner-city children a leg-up in their education and future, Per Scholas started the Comp2Kids program in 2002. Comp2Kids provides professional development training to teachers and technology training to students and their parents. The one-day training sessions teach computer basics, including Microsoft Office and Internet use. After instruction, students receive a home computer supplied by Per Scholas. Once all students and teachers in a partner school receive computers, Comp2Kids stays with the school, providing computers for the incoming sixth graders and new teachers every school year.
ABOUT PER SCHOLAS
Per Scholas is an environmentally-responsible nonprofit organization committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by providing education, technology and economic opportunities to under-served communities. The organization’s programs have been praised as remarkable and innovative by business leaders, politicians, The New York Times and The Washington Post. Since its 1995 inception, Per Scholas has distributed over 80,000 free and inexpensive computers to low-income families and provided free technology field training to 2,600 disadvantaged adults, with over 80 percent of graduates successfully finding permanent jobs. For more information, visit: .
ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY
The 91’s Aid Society is an independent, not-for-profit organization established to serve the children of New York City. Its mission is to provide comprehensive support for children in need, from birth to young adulthood, and for their families, to fill the gaps between what children have and what they need to thrive. Founded in 1853, it is one of the nation’s largest and most innovative non-sectarian agencies serving New York’s neediest children. Services are provided in community schools, neighborhood centers, health clinics and camps. For additional information, please call 212-949-4938, email ellenl@childrensaidsociety.org, or visit .
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