History:

 Three years ago, the Superintendent of Bellevue School District announced a paradigm shift in quality education.  What was new?  Students must have a computer at home.  Computers are necessary to do research, to complete homework, and to communicate with the district’s online Curriculum Web allowing students, parents and teachers to check assignments and grades.  Research indicated that 800 families in the district did not have computers at home, putting students at academic risk.  The district turned to Jubilee REACH, asking if we could start a free computer class in which parents could learn basic computer operation, and be gifted a free computer to take home?  We said yes.    

We moved quickly, collaborating with school district staff and community agencies to develop curriculum to teach how to use a mouse, open and save files, use the internet and email, and access the district’s “Curriculum Web.”  Businesses and agencies donated new and used computers.  A team of volunteer teachers and translators formed.  Two months later, our first class of 12 parents graduated with certificates, a computer, pride, and the technological power for their children to compete in the classroom. 

To date, over 150 parents have graduated from Parent Computer Class.  A busy high school principal believes so much in the program that he volunteers teaching a class.  Low-income families have computers at home, student grades have improved, and parents are empowered to get more involved in their children’s educations.  Side benefits include parents accessing more services for their families, using the internet to apply for jobs, emailing family members around the world, and becoming more active in their communities.  To give back, many graduates help translate parent computer classes, making the community of caring full circle.  

What Kids Say:

“Oh my gosh, I got a B!” says an 8^thgrade girl who used to get D’s and F’s.  “I used to tell my mom that I didn’t have any homework, but I can’t fool her now.  That’s sort of good and sort of bad,” says an honest 6^thgrade boy. 

What Parents Say:

“My English not so good but computer help my boy,” says an immigrant mom.  “Thank you for the computer.  Before,  when the library was closed, my daughter couldn’t do her project and it was a hassle,” says a grateful dad.  

What Volunteers Say:

“It’s a kick when the lights go on in their heads,“ says a volunteer who has taught for three years.  “And a parent’s self-esteem changes.  Fernando used to look at his feet. Now he is a changed man, looks me in the eye and says hello.”

What School Staff Say:

“Thank you for all you do for our kids.  This is an unprecedented partnership that should be repeated throughout our school district.”