Working Together for Young Scholars
The Challenge:
The Higher Achievement Program, an award-winning afterschool program for middle schoolers in Washington DC, wanted to expand its program in Ward 7 to include a computer lab. The DC Public school system was persuaded to contribute a classroom at Mary H. Plummer Elementary to house the lab, and a local business generously donated 26 "gently used" computers. Even with the two biggest challenges met, space and computer hardware, the lab was still not at the level required to teach Higher Achievement's curricula. A network needed to be set up to connect the computers, access to the internet needed to be provided, and the appropriate software needed to be installed.
The Solution:
Higher Achievement turned to NPower Greater DC Region (GDCR) to help build a lab that would not only provide basic functions, like internet access and printing, but would also be outfitted with up-to-date software. Given Higher Achievement's very limited budget, NPower GDCR brought in AOL Tech Corps, a dedicated group of AOL volunteers who assist nonprofits with tech-related projects across the region.
Underwritten by a grant from the AOL Foundation, NPower GDCR's tech team identified the key tasks, developed a technology work plan, obtained software, and arranged for internet access with the school. NPower GDCR also partnered with Greater DC Cares and recruited volunteers from the AOL Tech Corps program.
Six weeks later the NPower GDCR staff and AOL team convened on-site with Higher Achievement staff and scholars to transform the lab. Virus protection, anti-spyware, various educational programs and special software designed for computer labs to minimize maintenance were installed on each of the 26 machines.
The Impact:
With donated space and equipment, and hardware and software purchased at a fraction of the retail price through TechSoup.org, Higher Achievement now has a networked and stable computer lab. Best of all, the students of Higher Achievement now have the tools needed to excel as scholars.
In the words of Maureen Holla, Executive Director of Higher Achievement, "We had the basics covered: equipment and space. What we needed was the expertise to put it together to meet our unique needs. NPower GDCR made it happen. NPower, along with the AOL Tech Corps worked a miracle, turning an unused space into a wonderful gift for our scholars. Thank you, AOL. Thank you, NPower Greater DC Region. Thank you, Greater DC Cares. Thank you for your investment in the talent of our Ward 7 Scholars."
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