Computers for Kids

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

The Computers for Kids program gives computers to students in high school who could not afford to have one any other way. The computers are presented first to 9th grade students at each of Brunswick’s three high schools as well as the Brunswick Learning Center and the Early College Program. The student takes the computer home and shares it with family members. Students are selected by their teachers to receive computers on the basis of need. The computers are then delivered to the school by volunteers, and the parents are notified. The program utilizes a workroom at the community college to refurbish all the donated, used computers. Today, the largest source of donated computers comes from the Brunswick County Government. As county departments usually receive new computers according to the budget cycle, their used computers are now being sent to the schools after having their hard drives erased. Additionally, used computer parts that no longer have use are being recycled at the county’s landfill. So far, over 350 computers have been given to students. The county’s original goal of having 400 computers donated over the course of four years is being exceeded. The ultimate goal of the program is to see that every student in the county has a computer. Not only have there been visible improvements in students’ academic achievements, but they are also developing “computer literacy,” a crucial skill in today’s work environment.