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Quick News on what's been going on with the DDCOC
AMAZING, IS WHAT IT IS State Rep. Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago) visited students at Manierre Elementary School, Betsy Ross Elementary School, Carter Elementary School and Attucks Elementary School in Chicago on Friday, March 14, to present 60 computers.
"Although legislators work to bring as many state resources as possible to our schools, I am constantly working with the private sector to facilitate the donation of important resources," Dunkin said "These computers will help even more students master the skills they need in a fast-changing technological world." (Computers & Labor donated by the DDCOC and DWES) This was an experience that was very educational for us. We have known, for some time, that the computers, at the 600+ Chicago Public Schools (CPS), vary--one school may have 300 workstations/laptops while another may have 20 or 30--but to see this is another story.
What State Rep. Ken Dunkin did is amazing. He seen a problem and he resolved it, utilizing resources that are available. These are not magnet schools, nor academies, they lack the computers, the teachers, the money and the volunteers that could assist in the proper education of our youth. No STEM Programs are at these schools. State Rep. Ken Dunkin deserves to be commended for his action. The DDCOC have tried to work to increase the studying and utilizing of technology for our deserving youth, with CPS, but the "red tape", involved, created only chaos for us. This is a victory for those schools involved and a great lesson for us. This was very easy for the DDCOC and should be looked at as a great example of how to increase the computer workstations at the community schools that need them the most.
If there was any additional suggestions that could be made, it would be that the "digital divide activist" of this city--those that have been active in the wireless initiative, Get Illinois Online, Chicago Digital Access Alliance and those that are capable of tutoring in computer science--volunteer at a Elementary Public School. At every School that we delivered computers to, they would welcome volunteers. We, at the DDCOC, DWES and the students of the Danny K. Davis Job Training Program could do this (Increase the computer workstations) at all schools in need--to see the smiles of the youth and the teachers created a wonderful feeling that has yet to wear off.