At the beginning of the year we kicked off a project to teach middle and high school students computer recycling and refurbishing skills at Washington Technology Magnet School. We based the class off the curriculum we use to train students at Guadalupe Alternative Program School but instead of preparing the students to enter the workforce…
We hear about the digital divide and the need to close it all of the time, but what is exactly does it all mean and how can we fix it? We know that students from lower income families are often times at a disadvantage due to a lack of access to technology. It makes succeeding…
Today, it’s nearly impossible to gain employment without knowing basic computer skills. Unfortunately, the high cost of technology deepens the economic divide between today’s youth. As a result of the expense associated with technology, disadvantaged youth typically don’t have the computer skills that are crucial to success in school and the workforce. Back in 2010, we…
Earlier this year, we developed a map to show our supporters and friends just how much their help makes a difference in the state. Since 1997, we’ve partnered with hundreds of generous companies, individuals and organizations to help nearly 500 schools and 151 educational nonprofits give access and skills training to at-risk individuals. Thank you!…
In 2002, Minneapolis Public Schools implemented a program called Check and Connect in its high schools to help disengaged students succeed in school. The program focuses on students who are failing classes, getting into trouble and who need extra support in order to graduate. Many teachers are requiring students to use computers to type papers,…
MCFS recently began partnering with an amazing organization in St. Paul called Neighborhood House. Since 1897, the organization has been serving people from all over the world who have relocated to Minnesota to build a better life for themselves and their families. One of the goals of Neighborhood House is to help immigrants and refugees…
2012 was a year of growth for MCFS and we can’t begin to express our gratitude to every single donor, partner and supporter for your help in working to close the digital divide in Minnesota. With your help, we are able to provide high-quality technology and support to schools, the community and educational nonprofits throughout…
Many students in Minnesota don’t have access to reliable technology – making it difficult for them to complete schoolwork, apply for jobs and correspond with teachers, friends and employers. This leads to disconnected students and oftentimes causes them to disengage from school. Gordon Parks High School (GPHS), an Alternative Learning Center in St. Paul, Minnesota,…
With today’s economy we are all trying to get the most out of technology. One of the ways we do this is using our technology for longer periods of time. Did you know: average laptop battery life expectancy is two to three years? This makes it hard to extend the life of your technology. Here…
Students who type 15 words per minute (WPM) will take about 67 minutes to type a 1,000-word paper – not including the time required to research, write and edit. However, students who type 50 WPM can type the same paper in just 20 minutes. For students, having the ability to type fast and accurately is…
