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Andrew Bissland is the Program Director of KidsTek headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and learn more at kidstek.org.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
We increase the computer literacy of students at Colorado’s highest needs schools.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
For equity. The students we reach need basic computer skills in order to be successful in school, to be better prepared for college, and to be better prepared for future careers.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
We reach hundreds of students each year with our K-12 programs, primarily in the Denver and Aurora school districts. We have afterschool computer enrichment programs for elementary and middle school-aged students, and we offer school day computer class electives for our high school students, including “Business Computing,” “Intro to Computing,” “Intro to Programming,” and “Life Skills on Computers.” In addition to the skills we teach, our students can earn refurbished laptops from us, and we also award scholarships to our high school seniors.
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
Our students! It’s very motivating to be able to work with young people. It’s a great honor to be able to help students work toward achieving their goals.
WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
That the students we work with are empowered and prepared for the future of their choice.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE?
We need donations to help us continue our mission. Additionally, computer hardware donations, particularly from companies, helps us get more technology in the hands of our students.
WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Having enough resources to be effective. The more funding we receive, the more children we are able to serve. The need is great, and the “digital divide” is a very real thing affecting the futures of low-income students.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Listen to your program participants. Listen to your staff. Listen to your partners. I’d like to think that our program is responsive to the ever-changing needs of our stakeholders.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
By joining us at our annual fundraising Gala on February 22, 2019. For more information, and event registration, please visit https://one.bidpal.net/2019kidstekgala/welcome.
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