Closing the Technology Gap Within Rural Households

 July 2025 Highlight: A Community-Funded STEAM Camp for Students

We’re excited to share that July 2025 was a tremendous success for the LIFE Tech program—and it’s all thanks to the ongoing support from donors like you and the incredible generosity of our local marketing clients, who sponsored one of our most inspiring initiatives to date.

With their contributions, we hosted a free STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Camp for middle and high school students in Deep East Texas. This multi-day experience introduced students to foundational tech skills in a fun and engaging environment. Campers rotated through sessions on:

• Intro to Coding

• Hands-On Robotics

• Digital Art & Creativity

• Drone Simulations & Tech Careers

But what made this even more impactful is that our very own LIFE Tech trainees—residents working toward IT certifications through our program—served as mentors and volunteer instructors. They helped lead activities, troubleshoot code, and model what a future in tech could look like for young learners from similar backgrounds.

Program Milestones to Date

Thanks to your continued support, the LIFE Tech program has now:

• Served over 4,000 households in Deep East Texas

• Distributed refurbished computers and internet access to families without digital connectivity

• Trained dozens of community members in computer refurbishment and IT fundamentals

• Created volunteer pathways for trainees to give back while gaining job-ready experience

We remain committed to reaching our goal of impacting 5,000 households by year five—and we’re well on our way.

What’s Next

As we prepare for the fall, we’re building on this momentum by:

• Expanding our STEAM and digital literacy curriculum for afterschool programming

• Scaling device refurbishment efforts to meet growing demand

• Deepening community partnerships to ensure more rural families gain access to critical tech resources

Thank You

Your donations, encouragement, and belief in digital inclusion continue to change lives. With every dollar, every device, and every volunteer hour, you're helping build a more connected and equitable East Texas.

Together, we’re not just bridging the digital divide—we’re building digital leaders.

With deep appreciation,
Michael Martinez
Program Director, LIFE Tech

As we kick off 2025, our program is growing stronger than ever! We're welcoming a new group of over 10 students into our IT & Marketing training programs—each one eager to gain skills, grow professionally, and give back to their community.

We’re excited to introduce Evelyn Garcia, our newest Marketing Intern, who is already helping promote our programs and share our mission with a wider audience. Also pictured is Nisha Murphy, one of our dedicated IT Apprentices, gaining real-world experience through hands-on projects and local tech support.

We’re proud to share that our students have earned over 15 Northstar Digital Literacy Certifications, 5 ITF+ certifications, and one recent Network+ certification—a major milestone that reflects the hard work and dedication of our learners.

Beyond certifications, our students are making a tangible impact:

• Marketing students are helping revamp our own website and marketing materials, ensuring our programs shine online.

• IT students continue to provide local tech repair and support, serving as a trusted resource for our rural community.

With your continued support, we are not just teaching skills—we’re building confidence, careers, and a stronger digital future for rural households. Thank you for being part of this journey.

With gratitude,
Michael Martinez
Program Director
The Legacy Institute for Financial Empowerment