IBM Grant Supports Learning for all Ages at Hillcrest through UNCW-WHA Community Campus
11/18/2009 10:08:33 AM
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Based on a grant proposal developed by the University of North Carolina Wilmington, IBM has donated two Young Explorer™ computers as part of its KidSmart early learning computer program and $14,000 to support the UNCW-WHA Community Campus at Hillcrest. The community campus is a partnership between UNCW and the Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA).
IBM's goal with the KidSmart program is to provide pre-K children with technology tools to help them arrive at elementary school prepared and excited to learn. They have provided the Community Campus with two Young Explorer™ computers housed in brightly colored, kid-friendly Little Tikes™ furniture and equipped with award-winning educational software to help children learn math, science and language.
"On behalf of the WHA family, I extend my sincere appreciation to IBM for its generous support of the UNCW-WHA Community Campus," said Michael Krause, WHA CEO. "Through this grant, we will be able to enhance current programming for our residents and reach out to many more families in need of services."
At the heart of the Community Campus is the computer lab, a free resource equipped by UNCW's Information Technology Systems Division. While the lab is well utilized by school-aged and adult residents, it is not well-suited for young children. UNCW's grant proposal requested the Young Explorer units to provide pre-K children with direct access to age-appropriate learning tools.
"The Community Campus has more than 40 children who visit the computer lab every day during the school year," said Megan Gorham, UNCW director of development for corporate and foundation relations. "The preschoolers needed access to educational games and resources through a child-friendly medium. We're very grateful for the computers IBM has provided for these young children."
IBM will also support the UNCW-WHA Community Campus through a $14,000 grant that will be used to purchase computers, books, furniture and other supplies needed to upgrade the campus's media center; computer software for GED, career and college counseling, SAT/ACT preparation, and English skills for the tutoring program; and a digital projector and screen in the community room for educational use.
"IBM is committed to breaking down the digital divide and helping all children to access technology," said Tina Wilson, manager of corporate citizenship and corporate affairs for IBM. "Through our partnership with UNCW and the Wilmington Housing Authority, we can help young children use technology as a learning tool to develop the literacy skills they will need to succeed in school."
The Community Campus is currently creating new programming focused on parenting skills and parental involvement. Leslie Hossfeld, UNCW faculty director at Hillcrest, noted that the Young Explorer units will be an asset to these programs, as they will assist parents in working with their children to enhance their pre-K learning.
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Media Opportunities:
Media are welcome to visit the UNCW-WHA Community Campus to see children using the KidSmart units after school; visual opps available as well as interviews with children, parents and the Community Campus coordinator. Best times are between 2:30 and 4 p.m. Please call ahead to Dana Fischetti at UNCW, 962-7259 or 508-3127 or to Kim Lancaster at the Community Campus, 341-3212.
About the UNCW-WHA Community Campus
A partnership between UNC Wilmington and the Wilmington Housing Authority, the UNCW-WHA Community Campus at Hillcrest is the first of its kind. The center is a resource-rich campus in a low-income community that optimizes UNCW's strategic objective to strengthen regional engagement and community outreach activities.
The Hillcrest community houses 372 residents, 97 percent of whom are African American. The average household income in the community is less than $10,000 annually. Some of Wilmington's poorest and most at-risk children (ages 0-17) comprise 30 percent of the total Hillcrest population, and women comprise 77 percent of heads of household.
The campus has more than 15 programs that have proven to be assets for Hillcrest as well as other WHA residents. There are currently 10 programs that serve and target low-income children in New Hanover County and 8 programs that serve the needs of adult residents. These offerings cover all aspects of programming, including social, educational, nutritional and physical activities that alleviate stress and provide a safe learning environment for residents that is close to their homes.
Downloadable Photos
KidSmart 1
KidSmart 2
KidSmart 3
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