Expanding access to computers - Stamford Public Schools

School Administrator, March, 2003

Stamford Public Schools in Stamford, Conn., has found a way to give all fourth graders access to computers at their homes. The program, called TechCycle and launched in the 2002-2003 school year, is refurbishing computers no longer needed by local companies for students who previously had no home computer.

The initiative is making it possible for those students to produce high-quality homework assignments and research papers like the ones created by students who had such equipment in their homes.

TechCycle has also resulted in the school district receiving the 2003 Civic Star Award from Connecticut. The program is the result of a conversation between Dr. Anthony L. Mazzullo, Stamford Public Schools superintendent, and Garry Feldman, president of U.S. Computer Connection. Mazzullo told Feldman he'd like to make free computers available to all fourth graders, and Feldman said his company often received used computers from businesses that no longer needed them.

The district conducted a confidential survey to determine the extent of student need and found that about 240 of Stamford's 1,200 fourth graders did not have home computers. Mazzullo and Feldman immediately involved the local Chamber of Commerce, National Cristina Foundation and KOOL 96.7 Radio to get the program going.

They also arranged for high school students in the district's Academy of Information Technology and the nearby state vocational technical school, Wright Tech, to refurbish the computers and install updated software.

To receive a computer, students and their families must attend a training session, where they learn to hook up and maintain their equipment. They also learn how to use the Internet safely and effectively.

High school students help with training and computer assistance. No public funds are spent on the program, and many teachers believe the initiative may encourage parents of students who receive computers to become more involved in their children's education.

TO LEARN MORE CONTACT:

Dr. Anthony L. Mazzullo

Superintendent

Stamford Public Schools

P.O. Box 9310 * Stamford, CT 06904

Phone: 203-977-4543

E-mail: amazzullo@ci.stamford.ct.us

Web: www.stamford.k12.ct.us