Schools
School Computer Program Needs Help to Survive
The Activate after-school program gives at-risk youth computer skills and has been proved to raise test scores. But more computers are needed.
What started as an English-as-a-second-language program in 2006 has grown into an after-school activity for more than 60 students at Shorecliffs and Bernice Ayer middle schools in San Clemente.
The program, now known as Activate, joins teachers and city officials in helping at-risk youths with tutoring, physical activity and with the addition of a Computers for Kids program, computer skills.
"Not only do a lot of these kids have a lot of crazy things going on in their lives, they can’t get their homework done because they don’t have computers at home,” said San Clemente recreation specialist Chris Smith. “So we started brainstorming ways to get computers for kids.”
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Over the years, the city of San Clemente has donated used computers to the program. However, the city is now out of computers, which has left Computers for Kids searching for donations.
"Anyone in the local community who has a working computer they’d like to get rid of, simply contact us or drop off the computer at the San Clemente Community Center as a donation,” Smith said. “They will get a tax credit for the donation and we will clean the computer of any personal information, load it with free basic software, and, working directly with the schools, give the computers to students who earn them.”
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Students earn a computer by showing academic effort and good behavior. Having a computer helps the youths complete homework assignments and helps parents who might be looking for work. The computers are seen as a lure to keep kids on campus after school rather than out on the streets.
"We wanted to create something for the kids who stay," said Shorecliffs Principal Kenny Moe. “Overall, as a school, we have seen improvements.”
The program is credited with helping to raise students' State Testing and Reporting (STAR) scores 40 points. It also helps break down social barriers.
"The gang issue and racial divides are a big thing at the high school,” Smith said. “Programs at this level help toward tearing down that divide.”
To donate computers in working condition, please call the San Clemente Recreation Department at 949-361-8264, or drop them off at front office at 100 N. Calle Seville.
EDITORS NOTE: Because of reporting errors, the name of the Computers for Kids program and the dropoff location were misstated in an earlier version of this article. Patch regrets the errors.
