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Activities & Achievements
The pace of technological change in today's economy has never been greater. It will accelerate still further, in an exponential manner. The best jobs created in the technology age will be filled by those who possess the skills required to compete for them and carry them out. The technology-driven marketplace of the 21st century will add about 20 million jobs to the American economy by 2008 –if we can only educate our young people to fill them.
Research shows that only 19 percent of economically underprivileged families own computers compared to over 33 percent of middle class households – a gap that has widened 64 percent over the past five years despite declining computer prices. Students without computers will not be able to compete academically with other students who have access to technology in the home. By not being exposed to technology on a regular basis now, these students will lack the essential skills needed to compete and excel in the global economy once they enter the workforce.
Without the benefit of readily available technology in the home combined with appropriate training, youth at their most critical stage of learning and cognition are at a major disadvantage that will limit their educational achievement, future job prospects and earning potential. The On It Foundation is working to bridge this technology gap through its mission to provide free computers to local disadvantaged households with children in grades K-12 that meet the required income guidelines. To qualify for free computer equipment, a student must receive a free or reduced school lunch and attend a public school within the United States.
The On It Foundation purchases computers from computer outlet stores and receives donations of surplus computers and furniture from corporations and individuals. The equipment is upgraded by networking engineers who generously donate their services to making sure the computers are fully equipped and operational. The computers are then placed directly in the homes of qualified students by our computer technician. Twenty hours of instructional training in the home comes with the computer.
The effects of this program can extend to other family members as well. In many cases, the adults in the home who do not possess computer skills are able to learn through exposure to technology. To date, the On It Foundation has donated over 1299 computers to low-income families with school-age children in grades K-12. We have also provided over 5000 volunteer hours of computer training to the recipients of our computers.
The On It Foundation has made further provisions for those families that do not qualify for a free computer, yet cannot afford to purchase one because of bad credit or little or no disposable income. The On It Foundation's Computer Guarantee Purchase Program – Jump On It, offers those families a guaranteed way to purchase exceptional, low-cost computers by partnering with local computer distributors that provide very low lay-away plans. The computer distributor donates a percentage from the sale of each computer and the revenue from this program goes toward furthering the On It Foundation's mission of providing free computers and computer training to the neediest families.
The On It Foundation partners and continues to build mutually beneficial relationships with Community Technology Centers, non-profit organizations of similar mission, Digital Divide Associations, Faith-Based Initiative Associations, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, and tutorial schools. The On It Foundation's current strategic alliances include organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, SIFE, Tech Source, HOPE, Black Data Processing Association, the Hispanic Technology Association, the Asian Technology Association, Magic Johnson Technology Center of Jacksonville, Florida, NASCAR Homestead Miami Speedway, all state-wide public schools, and numerous local community centers and churches that focus on providing technology and social services support. The On It Foundation also provides Internet training and technology instruction programs that assist students in becoming comfortable with and efficient in the use of technology.
The On It Foundation has received computer donations from Chrysler Daimler Corporation, GE Capital, Wachovia, Merrill Lynch, Ryder System, Inc. and numerous
small businesses and individuals, as well as in-kind shipping services from DHL/Airborne Express. In addition, The On It Foundation won an award from the Queen Latifah Foundation for Year 2005.
