Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary gives $2,600 computer lab grant to local YMCA
DeKalb County has committed to opening 5-6 "hot spots" throughout the county designed to provide internet access for under privileged children/families that can't afford internet access. Kishwaukee Family YMCA is responding to the county goal of more "hot spots" with the support of a $2666.65 grant from the Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary.
The proposed project is a free computer lab that is accessible to the community and will be at the Kishwaukee Family YMCA. Use of the computer lab will be available to all county residents, not just "Y" members. The purpose of the grant is to fund the furniture and computers needed to establish the community computer laboratory. A room at the "Y" has been designated and remodeled for this purpose. Comcast donated the internet access and modem, and the Suter Corporation donated the funds to remodel the room.
The lab will be open from 5 am to 9 pm thus enabling people who are employed to use the lab. We anticipate heavy lab use since 50% of the children who use the "Y" are on scholarship (i.e., receive free lunches, attend summer camp, and are in before and after school programs. The equipment is designed to be used for a period of years and is not "one and done" use.
The lab is on the first floor of the "Y" and is accessible to individuals with mobility issues. Since some area families are electing to continue remote learning rather than sending their children to school, the availability of the free lab open 16 hours/day will facilitate e-learning for families who desire this approach and have limited internet connections.
About the "Y"
Driven by its founding mission, the "Y" has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening our community for more than 60 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they're from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. The "Y's" goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in the DeKalb County Community. For more information, please visit kishymca.org
About Rotary
Rotary is an international organization that provides service to youth, service to the elderly, service to the disabled, vocational service, scholarships, and promotes international understanding through educational and humanitarian programs.