Mandy Hale of the nonprofit Connected Tennessee believes that in today's age of technology "having a computer is now literally more important than having a pencil." That's why her organization is donating 34 computers with high-speed Internet access to the three Boys and Girls Club locations in Chattanooga.
Boys and Girls Club of Chattanooga representatives and members are receiving 34 computers to be split between the three local locations from Connected Tennessee, represented by Mandy Hale, third from left."This helps us bridge the gap in technology for children who don't have access to be able to learn from and benefit from it and be productive, important citizens - that's the most important thing we can do," said BGC of Chattanooga President Michael Cranford.
The computers will be split between the clubs in the Highland Park, Eastlake and Alton Park communities, which help more than 2,000 kids annually.
"I'm sure [the computers] are going to be greatly appreciated and greatly used, especially when schoolwork time comes back again," said local BGC board chair Don Stinnett.
In addition to high-speed access to the Internet's wealth of knowledge, the computers will also be used in workforce development training.
"If these kids are going to be successful, we're going to have to help the schools help them," Cranford said. "Without that kind of opportunity and access, it would be a far harder challenge to become successful. At the end of the day, if you have education, it leads to a good life."
Hale said her organization conducted studies that found the No. 1 reason people do not have access to high-speed Internet is because they can't afford it.
"We see the Computers 4 Kids program as a springboard for opportunity," she said. "It is our hope to provide the youth of Tennessee with not just a connection to the Web, but a connection to the infinite and meaningful impact that knowledge, learning and access have on the lives of us all."
Part of the Preparing Tennessee's Next Generation for Success project, the partnership between Computers 4 Kids and the Boys and Girls Club was made possible through a $2.3 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant. The project will also provide computers and Internet access to foster children who are aging out of the system, as well as to the other 73 Boys and Girls Clubs across the state.
"The Boys and Girls Club is more than just a building on South Lyerly [Street]; the Boys and Girls Club is a home away from home and a training center for my future," said local youth Stevin Burton.
It is estimated that more than 60,000 disadvantaged youth across the state will end up benefiting from the project.