The Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica earlier this month gave a $2,500 grant to the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation’s Tech4Success program to be used toward funding laptops for seniors in the AVID (Achievement Via Individual Determination) program upon graduation in 2013.
All AVID students are first-generation, college-bound students from socio-economically
disadvantaged backgrounds.
Tech4Success supplements the AVID curriculum by training
students to make better use of computer resources. Education Foundation volunteers present
five technology workshops to the AVID students, aimed at improving their skills with Microsoft
Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Google Docs so that they can be successful in college and
beyond. Since 2007, Tech4Success has supported 11th and 12th grade AVID students.
In addition to the workshops, Tech4Success offers AVID seniors the opportunity to apply for a free laptop computer to take to college so that they remain competitive with their college peers.
Every year, about two-thirds of the students apply for a computer. The application process is
thorough and includes an essay, interviews and teacher recommendations.
In June 2012, every applicant received a laptop during a special ceremony for the students and their parents.
“We are so grateful for the Kiwanis Club’s contribution to the Tech4Success program,” said
Rachel Faulkner, SMMEF Program Director. “These laptops give students an advantage as
they start college that they wouldn’t have otherwise. It is wonderful that the Kiwanis Club is
dedicated to providing for its community in this way.”
The Education Foundation provides laptops to approximately 18 students every year. The
Kiwanis Club’s grant of $2,500 is a significant contribution toward the cost. The Ed Foundation secures additional donations from businesses and individuals to cover the annual costs.
