MAKING A DIFFERENCEONE COMPUTER AT A TIME

Georgia High School/High Tech

Refurbished Computer Committee Project

High School/High Tech

Georgia Department of Labor’s High School/High Tech initiative – a collaborative effort that acknowledges the need for all youth to reach their highest academic potential. . . a cooperative venture that recognizes the need for all youth to be exposed to career pathways that build bridges between high school and the workplace or postsecondary education.

• http://www.vocrehabga.org/hsht/index.htm

TODAY’S DISCUSSION• Thumbnail sketch of necessity for High

School/High Tech • Background of HS/HT Laptop Program• Lessons learned, turning dreams into reality

one laptop at a time…………………• Current status

– Partners– Grants– Networks

• Forward thinking – next steps for the program• How others can use the model to make it their

own

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Students had a need and we had an answer………

Get computers into the hands of the students who need them.

Go Get Em!

• State of Georgia had surplus computers

• Easy solution for transition students needing laptops

• Purchase surplus, refurbish and distribute

• Whoa! Solution was not as easy as one would think, nor did it happen magically without delays

• Three years later first laptop was awarded

HISTORY LESSONS

Gather Resources – Plan -- Stick To It

Time, patience, tenacity and competitive spirit neededSmall group of committed individuals -- know what you don’t knowNeutral ground for meetingMeet as needed; not meet-to-meetFeed them!CamaraderieCommunicationWillingness to learnBarriers are not road blocks,but simply lessons on both technical and bureaucratic

levelsSteps and the process :

developed application criteria and contractsdetermined software needs for transition studentsscrutinized cost efficienciesdesigned effective selection and distribution process

CONSIDERATIONS“Chasing Butterflies & Balloons”

• State agencies are not created equal• Conflicting fiscal timelines• Circumstances and technical difficulties• Who pays?• Where is your nonprofit?• How do you know when laptops are available?• Transportation• Warehousing• Who does the refurbishing—what is their “cut”?

GATHER YOUR PEOPLE

Gather “THE RIGHT” people• Pick people who have “know how!”

– Creative– Energetic– Knowledgeable– No-nonsense

• Pick people who share your passion!• Pick people you feel comfortable with – someone you would

travel with• You are going to need people to look out for you and the project• Get people with a good sense of humor (You will need to laugh!

A lot and often!) • Gather even more people –PARTNERS• Gather people “together” --meetings

THE PLANAh! Paperwork!

• Process to distribute the computers• Application

Determine what needs to be trackedDates for application deadlines

• Agreements –students, parents, teachers

Refurbishing Plan• Who will do the actual work• Where will you get the equipment• What is the process for acquisition• Who orders equipment• Who picks up equipment

FundingBrainstorm, check out potential funding partners – public & private

Organizations and advocacy groups interested in education.

HANG IN THERE

• “NO” – only means “no” right then. Don’t reject ideas out of hand. Always leave room for discussion

• Keep in touch with committee members and partners via email to give updates or ask for opinions

• Don’t be a pest – be regular and direct• Promote the project at conferences and meetings• Be open to creative solutions• Ask and share with whomever is interested. You’d be

surprised by and individual’s ability to be creative!

GARCC Scrapbook

Georgia HS/HT Refurbished Computers Committee

GARCC Scrapbook

…the computer

has allowed me to

work on my school

projects at home!

Thank You!

Kelvin

…I can keep up with my studies

and I know I’ll be able to succeed. It

will really help me build my skills!Thank You!Melvin

Georgia HS/HT Refurbished Computers Committee

GARCC Scrapbook

I really appreciated the generous donation. I value the fact that I was accepted to receive a laptop computer. It brings me great joy knowing that I will have extra help in my transition from high school to college. This computer is a great investment in my future. I know I will be able to keep up in school and challenge myself to be the best. The laptop will go to good use. Thank You,Brandy Wright

Georgia HS/HT Refurbished Computers Committee

GARCC Scrapbook

Maritza Rodriguez is a student with orthopedic impairments…she uses a power chair and has difficulty with fine motor skills. She is unable to write legibly with pen or pencil, and uses the computer at home to complete classroom work. She has lost her ability to speak and also uses the computer for communication. She was very excited to apply for a computer and made it clear that it would help her to communicate her needs at home and at school. Her mom said that Maritza now clearly communicates her needs. Using the computer showcases skills no one realized Maritza had!

Georgia HS/HT Refurbished Computers Committee

CURRENT STATUS

• PARTNERS -- GDOL IT, State Rehab Council, WIA, Tools for Life, Reboot

• GRANTS -- Community Grants: Augusta HS/HT model– Community grant from the Savannah River Community

Foundation. It is one of a network of many community foundations across the country whose funding levels for various grants varies from community to community

– To find out if you have a community grant in your area, simply google community foundation of (name of your state's city and state for contacts to explore www.cfgreaterjackson.org/ as an example of Community Foundation of Jackson, Mississippi

• NETWORKS: Talk to everyone – present whenever and wherever to generate interest

FORWARD THINKING

NEXT STEPS• Develop a software package for competition to those

who own HS/HT laptops – Premier, Inspiration and Bagatrix

• Forward think to purchasing new computers to replace laptops for students attending postsecondary schools. Replaced laptops would be recycled and/or refurbished for “redistribution.”

• Training for Site Coordinators:– Creating personal tutoring using the laptop and iPod

• Continue to expand partner base

MAKING IT YOUR OWN

• Need – who, why and what do you want to supply• What do you need to make it happen• Gather your people, make a plan, hang in there

– People– Partners– Planning– Funding

• Where is the equipment• Acquisition of equipment• Who are your partners• Make a plan and work your plan• Look at the Georgia project and take away what fits for

your program

STATUS AND BENEFITS

• 150 laptop computers refurbished and distributed to HS/HT sites throughout the state

• Competition open for distribution of 35 + laptops• Funding available for additional 65 laptops• Beginning development of software package • Continue to seek funding• Develop and expand partnerships and network• Assist others to replicate the program

• Who benefits? EVERYONE! – Students– Parents– Teachers