Computers4Kids

C4K uses technology as a tool to improve the lives of at-risk middle and high school students. Students take advantage of access to free after-school one-on-one mentoring, technology training, academic support, college-to-career guidance, and the opportunity to earn a free home computer system.

The Specifics: How will you use $2,500 to fuel social change through technology?

C4K will use funds to provide students with a continuum of services allowing them to build self sufficiency skills and break the cycle of poverty. 100% of C4K students are low income and 91% are minorities.

In 2011, C4K celebrated our 10th Anniversary. C4K’s high impact combination of services has already had a demonstrated effect on the success of local students. Students build critical thinking skills while acquiring a portfolio of advanced technology products and skills. 95% of mentored students have graduated from high school. In contrast, 77 % of all economically disadvantaged students in Charlottesville graduate on time. Over 80% of C4K students have gone to college.

Discussion

Computers4Kids provides students opportunities to use technology in fun, innovative and creative ways. Students leave the program ready to improve their lives through technology use.

by dollyjoseph

11 months ago | Reply

Not only does this program support students as they are ready to enter college, it provides a fun, safe, and nurturing learning environment after school.

by april.hutchinsondouglas

11 months ago | Reply

A wonderful consistent program that makes a huge difference for the students it supports and nurtures. Beyond technology they use the technology to teach much needed skills but also and perhaps more importantly the program fosters responsibility and commitment and fun too.

by spelletiergray

11 months ago | Reply

This program gives students much needed computer skills in this world of technology.

by pdangio

11 months ago | Reply

As the director of a youth program for many years in Charlottesville we had a symbiotic relationship with Computers for Kids. We taught prevention programs and they taught how to forward one's life through technology.

by burkhill

11 months ago | Reply

What a fantastic resource for the Charlottesville community--Computers4Kids provides a terrific, structured way for volunteers in the community to mentor, and for the students who gain skills and confidence from the program.

by matthewsmartin03

11 months ago | Reply

My son volunteered with C4K for his last two years at UVA studying for his Computer Science degree and found it to be a very rewarding experience. It was well run and he and his students truly benefited from their time together.

by patalechko

11 months ago | Reply

C4K is making a positive difference every day. Working in government and military cyber-security initiatives, this program has my vote because not only it lays the foundation for much-needed computer skills for the college-bound youth, but also breaks the cycle of poverty for the less-privileged ones. It would be an extra bonus if C4K graduates - after finishing college - would decide to become cyber-warriors..:) Thanks to Kala and her staff for such an amazing program. All of C4K staff is earning tons of good karma for changing lives through this program.

by tr30

11 months ago | Reply

This non-profit organization gives so many skills to the children, and then the child moves on to give so much of themselves to the world. The children that attend are each a treasure to be discovered. Computers4Kids helps teenagers discover their self-worth, and that is priceless on every level.

by CherylE

11 months ago | Reply

This program offers so much to older teenagers, too! Students who don't get one on one attention at school can have individualized homework help, which is so important for struggling learners. I've seen teens writing resumes and cover letters, searching for jobs, and talking about their future careers :) Where else does that happen?

by Allison1986

11 months ago | Reply

Under the one-on-one guidance of volunteer mentors and the supervision of professional staff, students at Computers4Kids acquire skills needed to be effective 21st Century Learners--skills that will allow them to be successful in school and in the work place.

by kala.somerville.3

11 months ago | Reply

C4K is an amazing program! Kids are matched with caring mentors whom they might never otherwise meet. They have an opportunity to develop useful tech skills and are able to do much more than play video games & use social media sites. The skills they acquire and relationships they develop will support them in college and beyond! Kudos to C4K!

by Zphibteacher

11 months ago | Reply

by Zphibteacher

11 months ago | Reply

C4K has been changing lives for over 10 years. Many students return to the organization as volunteer mentors themselves, which is a powerful testimony to their belief in the value of C4K!

by MichaelaT

11 months ago | Reply