Texas students must possess the technology skills necessary for success in today’s classroom and tomorrow’s workplace. Young people entering the information-based, technology-driven marketplace without the necessary technical skills will not only be unemployable they will be irrelevant. Computers For Kids is a TECH CORPS Texas program designed to stimulate the diffusion of technology into schools, and to provide hands on experience, and computer education to students in Texas.
In the 2008-2009 school years, TECH CORPS Texas was able to provide donated refurbished computers to 5 HISD campuses. Hogg Middle School, Mading, Cornelius, Rhoads, and Park Place Elementary schools were thrilled to receive approximately 200 computers issued in the initial distribution. The success of the program has allowed for five new schools to join the effort this year, including Emerson Elementary, Berry Elementary, Mark Twain Elementary, Yellowstone Academy, and Houston Heights Charter School.
All computer donations, which make this program possible, come from our corporate and community donors including BNP Paribas, The University of Houston, The National Cristina Foundation, and Greer, Herz, and Adams LLP. Computers refurbished for schools must meet the specifications of HISD standards for donated equipment (Pentium IV, 80 GB HDD, Windows XP Pro, and Microsoft Office 2003) in order to make sure students have the best technology resources possible.
Nominal fees for schools involved goes towards the processing, refurbishing, configuration, and delivery of the computers. TECH CORPS Texas is currently looking for, and actively accepting community requests for Computers For Kids in the upcoming school year. There is a constant need for technology support in schools, and with more computers donated; TECH CORPS Texas can help more schools to benefit.
Organizers of Computers For Kids, hope the program will help motivate students to increase their academic skills, promote parental involvement and support in students' schoolwork, and encourage students to begin preparing early for future jobs requiring technology skills.
