DCS technology program surprises foster youth with free laptops

February 05, 2019
Press Release
dcs press release

Phoenix (February 5, 2019)- 

 

Dozens of children in foster care were surprised with a gift that will help boost their education goals thanks to a generous donation from a community partner.

 

Thomas W. Lewis, CEO and Owner of the T.W. Lewis Foundation, recently donated 100 Chromebook laptops to foster youth in middle and high school.

 

“Every child deserves a quality education,” said T.W. Lewis. “I was honored to have the chance to help make a difference in a child’s life.” 

 

Lewis helped distribute the laptops in-person to the foster youth at the event.

 

az dcs tw lewis foundation

 Pictured from left: DCS Deputy Director Shalom Jacobs,
donor Thomas W. Lewis and Director of Governor's Office of Youth, Faith anf Family Maria Fuentes

 

“Children in foster care should not be denied the same opportunities as other children,” said Shalom Jacobs, DCS Deputy Director. “Which is why it’s important to have caring community partners, like T.W. Lewis, support foster children so they can reach their educational goals.”

 

Nationwide, statistics show that fewer than 70 percent of foster youth graduate from high school. And the foster youth who do graduate often struggle to finish college. 

       

Last year, the Department of Child Safety launched a program to reverse those trends by connecting children with technology.

Click to watch video.  

The program, Fostering Achievement through Computer Technology (FACT), is a partnership between DCS and community partners to provide laptops and internet safety training to Arizona’s foster youth.

 

“Now more than ever, children rely on technology to be successful in school,” said Maria Fuentes, Director of the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family. “This program’s continued success can level the playing field for children in foster care.”

 

 

DCS hopes to continue the program by working with community organizations, businesses, and private donors.

 

If you would like to donate or assist with the FACT program, please contact our volunteer coordinator at [email protected].

 

Did you know?

 

National studies have shown: 

  • 90 percent of teens in the United States have access to a computer.
  • 70 percent of low-income teens have computer access.
  • 20 percent of urban foster youth have computer access.
  • 5 percent of rural foster youth have computer access. 

 

fact day tw lewis

 

 

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