Home Computers for Low-Income NYC Students

Summary

To provide home computers and our comprehensive services (training, Internet access, and technical support) to all 60 sixth grade students and their families at a public middle school in East Harlem.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

A study by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting found that only 35% of low-income children ages 9-12 in the U.S. have a home computer with Internet access, compared with 59% of middle-income and 80% of higher-income children. CFY addresses this inequity by distributing home computers to low-income middle school students, their families and teachers, and by providing training and tech support. This project would affect all 60 sixth-graders in East Harlem, one of NYC’s poorest neighborhoods.

How will this project solve this problem?

We will offer home computers to the entire incoming class of a middle school in East Harlem. Students and their parents participate in a half-day training session on basic computer skills, then take their computer home. We also provide tech support.

Potential Long Term Impact

Our research (www.cfy.org/research.htm) shows that a CFY home computer impacts relationships with parents and teachers that reinforce learning, deepens student engagement, and improves academic performance, especially for low-performing students.

Project Message

In 5 years, we’ve given 5,000 computers to poor families and needy schools. We’ve seen computers turn living rooms into classrooms, bring families together, and help turn troubled teens into learners.
- Elisabeth Stock, Executive Director

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources