United Way provides laptops for Volusia County Schools

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

by: Randolyn Haley, MPH

Director of Community Impact, United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties

Thanks to a donation from Space Coast Credit Union, United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties is able to help address the digital divide families are facing due to virtual learning necessitated by the pandemic.

“Space Coast saw a need and stepped up all across the state to ensure students had the technology support they needed to be successful academically,” said Courtney Edgcomb, President of United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties. “One of United Way’s role in the community is to seek out partners who are poised to help maximize the impact of donations received and FUTURES Foundation will be able to do that with this mini-grant.”

The mini-grant will purchase laptops for Take Stock in Children, a program facilitated by FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools.

“Although Volusia County Schools will distribute laptops to students in grade 6-12 this month to transform to a full Technology 1-to-1 school district, year-round technology is lacking for low income students and this grant will help us put laptops in the hands of high school students who really need them," said Cynthia Ramirez, executive director of the FUTURES Foundation.

Students selected for Take Stock in Children pledge to remain alcohol, crime, drug and gang free, maintain a weighted cumulative 2.5 GPA and meet with a mentor weekly throughout their high school years.

“We appreciate United Way’s support for the technology needs of our scholars, especially as they graduate and head to college,” said Ramirez.

United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties, Inc. continually identifies and evaluates community needs and assets to ensure necessary resources — donors, volunteers and advocates — are available to help everyone in our community thrive.