Jared Polis Foundation Education Report: Technology

Computers have become an indispensable part of everyday life both at work and at home for most people. Just think about how often you use computers to access information, communicate with others, do your job, shop and read the news. Technology is also an essential learning tool and every child needs to become familiar with computers in order to succeed. Unfortunately, many communities, schools and families lack access to computers and the internet and have been left behind by rapid technological advances. To help close this troubling digital divide, Community Computer Connection brings computers to schools and to youth-oriented nonprofits across Colorado, providing kids with the opportunity to experience an enhanced educational environment.

From January through July, Community Computer Connection distributed over 3,000 refurbished computers to 180 different schools and nonprofit organizations. Of these, 41% have gone to classrooms and school labs. In addition to gaining essential computer skills, students can use them to complete their homework, research career options, complete multimedia projects with their peers, and access online journals and academic publications. Another 43% have been delivered to school- and nonprofit-based “Learn and Earn” programs that reward students who complete a technology-focused course with a computer for home. These home computers help students maintain and further develop a variety of skills, such as keyboarding, graphic design, software, and web-based research. Thanks to our generous donors, Community Computer Connection has greatly expanded the number of computers available for “Learn and Earn” programs.

The rest of the refurbished computers are distributed to youth-focused nonprofit organizations for staff use. Girls Incorporated of Metro Denver, a local affiliate of a national nonprofit organization, is among the many recipient organizations. Dedicated to inspiring all girls to be “strong, smart, and bold” and with a focus on high-risk and underserved communities, Girls Inc. programs help girls value themselves, achieve their goals and reach their full potential. “Our old computers were dinosaurs,” says Bonnie Reeser Towbridge, director of development and communications. “With the newer computers from Community Computer Connection, staff productivity has gone through the roof! Because we’re more efficient in our daily operations, we’re able to serve more girls.”

Community Computer Connection would like to extend a special “Thank You” to the following corporate and community donors of computers and technology equipment. It would not be possible to succeed without your assistance.

• Yottabyte Level (4,000+ units)
Qwest (has donated more than 11,000 units!)

• Zettabyte Level (3000-3999 units)
Lockheed Martin

• Exabyte Level (2000-2999 units)
Coors Brewing Company

• Petabyte (500-1999 units)
Eco-Cycle
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Vectra Bank

• Terabyte Level (300-499 units)
Boulder County Government
Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver
Centura Health
Charles Schwab
City of Boulder
Denver Water
First Bank Network Services
Front Range Community College
Metropolitan State College of Denver

• Gigabyte Level (150-299 units)
Boulder Public Library
Budget Rent A Car Systems
City of Louisville
Denver Street Schools
FedSource
HUD
Maxtor
Providers’ Resource Clearinghouse
Regis University
Social Security Administration
StorageTek
The Computer Group
Time Warner Cable
U.S. Nursing Corporation

• Megabyte Level (50-149 units)
9News
Array BioPharma
Aurora Loan Services
Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll LLP
BNFL
Boulder County Health Department
Capitol Access Mortgage
Cardinal Health
Carver Elementary School-Creative Play Centers
Colorado Community Church
Colorado Rural Charter Schools Network
Colorado State Bank and Trust
Daniels Fund
Data Play
Denver Inner City Parish
Denver Public Schools
Education Commission
Encana Oil & Gas
Goldman Sachs & Co.
Intrado
Janus Fund
KCJD Architects
Kent Denver County Day School - Denver Summer Bridge Program
KWGN-TV
Mercy Housing
Mercy Services Corporation
Monument Academy
Ouray Sportswear
Outward Bound
Qwest Academy
Sherman & Howard
Weld County School District RE3J
Wells Fargo
Wild Oats Markets Inc.

Donor Spotlight | Qwest Communications

Qwest Communications’ generous contributions are critical to the mission of Community Computer Connection. Since 2001, Qwest has contributed more than 11,000 units of computer equipment. These computers fill more than half of the requests from school and nonprofit “Learn and Earn” programs in which students receive a computer for home use after completing a course of technology training.

Qwest’s Dave Felice makes special efforts to support our program. “Dave has served on the Community Computer Connection Advisory Committee since 2005, helps to promote our program and stays informed about current trends in electronics recycling and reuse,” says Bob Townley, Community Computer Connection program manager. “He’s a wonderful resource.”

Thank you, Qwest, for your ongoing support and for your commitment to serving our community!

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