HERNDON, Va., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Equal Footing Foundation (EFF), the charitable arm of the Northern Virginia Technology Council with programs for youth development and education for underserved youth in the region, announced today that the Sprint Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to support Computer Clubhouse Botball Robotics programs and activities at the Reston Clubhouse.
Currently serving 1,500 students per week in Fairfax County, EFF's six Computer Clubhouses are located in established community centers, in close proximity to schools and bus routes for easy access. For students ages 8 to 18, the Clubhouses provide a safe after-school educational environment where they can work with other students and adult mentors to learn, develop and explore their academic potential by better understanding how technology works and is impacting society. Since many students do not have access to technology at home, the Clubhouses enable participants to develop self-confidence and marketable work skills they need as they prepare for future careers.
"Sprint's ongoing support is a tremendous boost to the program, and will make a big difference for those students using Computer Clubhouses in Northern Virginia," said Colleen Hahn, EFF's president and executive director. "We also believe their grant will help reinforce the value of EFF efforts, and encourage others in the technology and business community to give back to our local youth."
EFF will use $13,800 of the grant to fund registrations for the Botball Robotics program at all six Clubhouses. The Botball Tournament is an annual event in which teams of students design and build robots to compete with other teams from around the region. Through this program, students gain valuable work-related and technological skills by engaging in the practical application of robotic technology and interacting with mentors from high-tech companies.
The remaining $11,200 will be used to support a number of programs at the Reston Clubhouse. These funds will be used to purchase and update software and graphics packages, buy new equipment, pay licensing fees, provide scholarships for Virginia Space Camp and pay for field trips and other events,
"The EFF's work is essential for offering educational opportunities to youth who do not have access to technology," said Ralph Reid, Vice President Corporate Social Responsibility and President of the Sprint Foundation. ". The Sprint Foundation is committed to partnering with non-profits like the Equal Footing Foundation who are having a positive impact on our youth"
About the Sprint Foundation
Since its creation in 1989, the Sprint Foundation has provided nearly $100 million to community organizations across the United States. The Sprint Foundation currently focuses its efforts on youth initiatives, including K-12 education, positive youth development, arts and culture outreach, safety at school, and Internet safety.
About Equal Footing Foundation
Equal Footing Foundation is a Virginia based 501(C)(3) nonprofit focused on youth development and education. The Foundation's goal is to provide an equal opportunity environment where youth can access the tools needed to successfully compete with a skilled and educated workforce. We accomplish this goal by funding, launching and sustaining Computer Clubhouses in partnership with local governments, businesses and other non-profit entities. The Computer Clubhouses we support are centrally located within established community centers, in close proximity to schools and bus routes for easy after school access. The result is an innovative and safe after-school learning center where children ages 8-18, many of whom do not have access to technology at home, work with adult mentors to learn, develop, and explore their potential. For more information, visit: http://www.efooting.org/.
The Equal Footing Foundation
