By Patrick Donachie
A nonprofit is helping southeast Queens students engage in learning outside of the classroom by supplying nearly 200 students from several area schools with free desktop computers. PowerMyLearning, based in Manhattan, offered parents and children a free computer supplied with educational software. The non-profit held two workshops March 11 and March 18.
City Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans), who allocated $40,000 to the PowerMyLearning in fiscal year 2017, thanked the organization and participating principals, teachers and families for helping to get the computers into use by enterprising students.
“Exposing these young scholars to technology from an early age will ensure they have the skills and knowledge needed for the 21st century and I am pleased to have had the opportunity to bring this program to several schools in the district,” Miller said. “It was great to witness children and parents working together towards educational improvements in and out of school.”
Miller’s office said 193 students from PS 176, 140, 118 and 116 received a free desktop computer.
Elizabeth John, the executive director for PowerMyLearning, said the home learning centers could be used for homework and other learning activities.
“It is so important for students to be 21st century learners and to have access, both in school and at home, to the many resources computers can offer,” she said. “These computers, along with the training we provided, also allow family members to be strong learning partners for their children.”
Reach reporter Patrick Donachie by e-mail at pdona
