Tucson, AZ – November 8, 2010 - One of the biggest academic challenges facing youth today is access to technology and it is a challenge that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson is facing head on thanks to a $10,000 Technology Grant from The Comcast Foundation.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson estimate that 80 percent of their Club Members don’t have access to a computer at home. The $10,000 Comcast Foundation grant will enable the Boys & Girls Clubs to implement the Club Tech program through the purchase of computer and networking hardware, curriculum-specific hardware and software and facility preparation. This program will provide the support that Club Members need to help them succeed by giving them access to technology.
“At Comcast we see changes in technology happening so quickly that it’s sometimes a challenge to become an expert before another change comes along,” said Joe Atamian, Vice President of Comcast’s Tucson system. “We are proud to support the Boys & Girls Clubs Club Tech program which teaches the kids the technology skills needed to advance in education.”
Through the Club Tech Program, which provides daily access to technology, Club members will:
- Receive one-on-one instruction from a trained volunteer or professional staff member;
- Understand how computers work, the types of opportunities they provide and their role in modern society;
- Use technology to support and advance intellectual development;
- Use the Internet safely to access information and communicate;
- Use basic productivity applications and multi-media applications to create projects and communicate complex ideas;
- Use technology ethically;
- Explore technology-related careers and understand that mastering technology is integral to their economic success.
Club Tech also takes the Club members through the use of productivity software, digital music creation hardware and software, digital video editing hardware and software, photo manipulation software, web design tools and other applications.
Armando Rios, CEO of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson and former Board President, is the first former Club Member to have joined the Board of Directors. “The Clubs literally saved my life. I am dedicated to continuing to bring quality after school programs, a professional staff and providing a safe environment to thousands of Tucson’s most at-risk youth. Through Comcast’s generous support, our Club Tech program will continue to thrive and impact the future of our kids for many years to come.”
“Our Clubs are committed to embracing technology in all aspects of our programming and making it available to our Club Members,” said John McDowell, Director of Program Operations. “Technology is already a regular part of many of our programs, everything from character development programs that focus on leadership activities, to our teen basketball programs.
“Thanks to the financial support of the Comcast Foundation, our members have the opportunity to experience and learn the technology which will be necessary for them to function in today’s society,” said McDowell.
About Comcast Foundation
The Comcast Foundation was founded by Comcast Corporation in June 1999 to provide charitable support to qualified non-profit organizations. The Foundation primarily invests in programs intended to have a positive, sustainable impact on their communities. The Foundation has three community investment priorities – promoting community service, expanding digital literacy, and building tomorrow’s leaders. Since its inception, the Comcast Foundation has donated more than $77 million to organizations in the communities nationwide that Comcast serves. More information about the Foundation and its programs is available at www.comcast.com/community.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson
Since 1963, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson has helped keep thousands of local children involved in wholesome activities, providing a positive alternative to the influence of juvenile delinquency. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson offers daily access to a broad range of programs in five core areas: Character and Leadership Development; Education and Career Development; Health & Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness, and Recreations. Currently, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson has six locations throughout Tucson and serves over 5,300 youth. For more information about volunteering or donating to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, visit www.bgctucson.org or call (520) 573-3533.