Together, we are Closing the Digital Divide
In the fall of 2019, THE PLAYERS and the PGA Tour came together to donate 500 computers to the Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub to be refurbished and put into the hands of local students who did not have a computer. Students who do not have a computer are at risk and do not have the opportunities that those who do have a computer do. Those without a computer cannot complete their
homework, explore coding, do research, explore careers, and complete applications for college. Simply put, this is not fair, and the business community has come together to address this societal issue. Through the generous donations of computers from the business community, as well as the private funding to compete the refurbishments, we have been able to provide nearly 1,000 computers to students who have the greatest need. These computers are making a difference in the lives of students in our communities, stretching from the rural corners of the region, deep into the urban core.
THE PLAYERS and The PGA Tour donated 500 computers , the single largest donation in the history of this project, to aggressively empower local students. The STEM2 Hub worked with local businesses who refurbish computers to give the devices a refresh and update, with the latest operating system installed. Guidewe ll, the parent company of Florida Blue , provided the funding for the cost of refurbishment. The computers were readied, and the staff of the STEM2 Hub got to work identifying partners to work with so that students could be selected to receive a computer. The Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub believes that ALL students need a computer of their own, but that providing students with a computer solves only part of the problem. For that reason, the STEM2 Hub staff works with other youth serving organizations, to connect us with those students in need, and align an educational experience that exposes students to potential STEM careers in various fields so that they are aware of the vast opportunities and high-demand, high-wage careers that are within reach! Partnering with other organizations allows pathways to be built for on-going experiences, such as camps, clubs, competitions, and coursework that can light the way for student success.
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