News

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (December 18, 2007) – HopeTech partners Avetec, Nextedge Development Corporation and the Springfield Foundation have teamed to provide more than $22,000 in seed funding to initiate a digital learning community in the 6^th grade at Hayward Middle School and are asking other community leaders and businesses to consider making a tax-free, year-end donation to the HopeTech Project through the Springfield Foundation.

“This funding has allowed teachers to get the equipment and hands-on training so they can integrate laptop learning into the 6^th grade curriculum for the 2008-2009 school year,” said Avetec Interim CEO Homer Smith. “We invite others in the community to support this effort so students in our community can develop the skills required to be successful in the 21st century.”

In addition to developing necessary work skills, the HopeTech Digital Learning Community will provide new innovative curriculum to improve reading, math and science skills; develop digital literacy supported and facilitated by technology; and improve test scores, graduation rates, dropout rates, and continuation to post-secondary education. Similar programs – such as those in Detroit, Mich. and Bethlehem, Penn. – are proven to increase technological literacy, student engagement and collaboration to build a future workforce with 21st century computer skills.

“The idea for HopeTech sprung from Springfield’s wireless initiative that was implemented downtown earlier this year and we want to expand that to provide all the tools necessary to narrow the ‘digital divide’,” said Nancy Bridgman, volunteer chair of the HopeTech fundraising and resource committee. “We now have the economic infrastructure and a supportive group of businesses, organizations and individuals who are dedicating their time and experience to help HopeTech become a successful, proven program that will be in a position to garner long-term funding.”  

The partnership plans that through HopeTech students will gain competency in computer skills, increase confidence in career and higher-education possibilities, retain interest in school and improve test scores. The partners need to raise at least $200,000 in 2007-2008 to launch HopeTech at Hayward and continue raising $250,000 per year for three years in order to eventually implement it in all 6^th grade classes at Springfield City Schools.

 “For students going on to college today, computer skills are a basic expectation,” said Ray Hagerman of Nextedge Development Corporation. “Technology is not a separate subject anymore – we have to begin to integrate it into classroom learning across the board. We’re investing in the future of Springfield and Clark County by preparing students for education and jobs in our community.”

Donations are being accepted through the Springfield Foundation, 4 West Main Street, Suite 825, Springfield, Ohio 45502. Please mention the HopeTech Fund. Any questions about giving can be directed to Ted Vander Roest at (937) 324-8773.