YOUNGSTOWN YSU gets SBC grant to instruct teens on computers
YSU's president said the grant program is part of the university's commitment to community partnerships and involvement.
By JoANNE VIVIANO
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Kelly Simpson was failing math.
Last summer, the Warren Harding High School junior joined the Academic Achievers program at Youngstown State University.
Now her grade is a C and inching toward a B.
"I'm happy," she said. "I'm really happy."
Simpson was one of five high school students to attend a press conference Friday at YSU, where officials announced a $30,000, three-year Excelerator grant from the SBC Foundation.
The money will help YSU develop the SBC Ameritech Technology Enrichment Program to provide computer instruction for nearly 500 high school and middle school pupils who attend various summer programs at the university.
Most of the pupils are from low-income areas and may have had limited exposure to computers. Besides funding the instruction, the grant will allow YSU to give used but reliable computers to some pupils to take home.
Preparation for jobs
The instruction will "ensure that the students of the Mahoning Valley will be better prepared for the future," said Bill Border, coordinator of the Academic Achievers program. "If students don't have the skills for the jobs of the future economy, they will be left behind."
With Simpson, two other Harding students -- Stephanie Yanucci and Eugene Campbell -- and two students from the Youngstown school district -- Travis Thompson (The Rayen School) and Wilson Okello (Chaney High School) -- were given certificates Friday stating that they will receive home computers.
Although some of the students said they have no computers at home, a few said they do. Simpson said that hers is old and that she'll appreciate the upgrade. They all said they plan to attend college next year; most will opt for YSU. Campbell has received scholarship money to attend the university.
Partnerships
Dr. David Sweet, YSU president, said a goal of the university's strategic plan is to increase partnerships and community involvement. The SBC grant, he added, helps the university do this in two ways: by partnering with SBC and by linking with school districts in the area.
In a world where advanced technologies are the norm, choosing to invest in technology education is an easy decision to make, said Stephen M. Kristan, director of external affairs for SBC.
"The youth are our future and technology is our future," he said. "We have to have a link that brings both together."