Celebrating Crossroads Scholar Bryce Matthews Crossroads and Computer Reach have been very close partners for years. Our partnership gives high school students the opportunity to explore the field of computer science through the lens of nonprofits. One example of this has been current Crossroads Scholar Bryce Matthews.
A rising senior at Central Catholic High School, Bryce has participated in Computer Reach’s summer camps in the past, and this summer he returned to Computer Reach to spend some time working under the wing of Computer Reach’s Technology Manager, David Mitchell, all while getting paid through the Crossroads...
Official Launch of Digital Navigator Service Model
In June, Computer Reach launched 2 projects where we visited the homes of our end-users to complete one-on-one 1-hour computer setup sessions. Each session included: the setup of a desktop computer bundle and external webcam,
the setup up a hotspot to provide internet access,
basic training on passwords, internet safety, and email, and
time for end-users to ask questions. We also offer back-end technical support. If an issue is not resolved via phone, we send out a Digital Navigator to assist the end-user in person.
Do end-users have to pay for these services?
No. Computer Reach...
March Highlights
Age-Friendly Technology Guide Computer Reach published its first Age-Friendly Technology Guide. It features a list of affordable internet and technology options, technical support services, and technology training locations. Distributions Computer Reach distributed 25 laptops to Urban Strategies Inc. Their office in Pittsburgh serves the Larimer, East Liberty, and Homewood communities. They have identified 25 individuals who will greatly benefit from having access to technology.
Computer Reach distributed 1 Hotspot to a Spanish-speaking individual who was identified by the Latino Community Center. Our Operations Manager Kyle Spangler delivered the Hotspot...
In August 2020, Computer Reach launched our Computer Lottery Program to get free Desktop Computer Bundles into the hands of local community members during a time when they needed it most. Now, in February 2021, we are celebrating the six-month anniversary of the program by awarding up to 20 Bundles each week to individuals in the Greater Pittsburgh Area!
About
2020 was a difficult year: The coronavirus began spreading in the United States, schooling and employment opportunities were either eliminated or moved online, and rather than meeting in person, we began meeting on screen. While 2020 was hard...
Student Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In a recent report, Common Sense Media stated that 50 million K-12 public school students had to transition to remote learning in 2020. However, of those students, roughly 30 percent lack adequate internet or devices to effectively learn from home. That's roughly 15 to 16 million students. In addition to its effects on the general student population, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the education of students receiving special education services in a substantial way. Due to school shutdowns and restricted operations, many special education students have been left without the support and services...
Seniors Struggling to Get Socially Connected
Since March 2020, older adults have had to limit all of their interactions with the outside world. Instead of enjoying conversations with their neighbors and strolling through grocery markets, many individuals have been stuck inside by themselves ordering groceries for delivery. Even the most basic interactions are now off-limits, and it's taking an emotional toll. Recognizing this need, Computer Reach was planning to launch a North Hills Community Outreach Project in April to get 13 socially-isolated seniors connected to the internet as a method to increase their opportunities for social connection. However, due...
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many elementary students into online learning from home. However, during the pandemic, not all families have had access to an at-home computer and broadband internet. Recognizing this need, Computer Reach partnered with The EQT Foundation, Crown Castle, and Leech Tishman Fuscaldo Lampl to distribute laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots to families.
Distribution Details
The devices were distributed to elementary school students in the Bentworth and McGuffey School Districts. During the distribution, all families were required to wear masks and remain in their cars at all times. All costs for the laptops, WiFi...
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit families and communities hard. During these past months, many students, families, and professionals have struggled to work, learn, and access services remotely due to a lack of internet or a home computer. Recognizing this need, Computer Reach is excited to announce the official launch of our Computer Lottery Program.
How Does the Lottery Program Work?
Due to the high demand for computers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Computer Reach is launching our new Computer Lottery Program. Each week up to sixteen people in the Pittsburgh area will be selected to win a free desktop computer...
On July 15, Computer Reach was awarded a $35,000 grant of unrestricted funds and named as an "Environmental Champion in Action" by Citizens Bank Market President and Retail Director Mark Rendulic. Computer Reach is honored to have received this title and grant and we look forward to continuing our work with Citizens Bank to better serve our communities.
Champions in Action
Launched by Citizens Bank, the Champions in Action program seeks to address the social challenges their communities face by reinforcing the work of local nonprofit organizations. Since 2002, the program has awarded more than $9 million...
Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Pennsylvania, local businesses, libraries, and community centers have closed their doors or limited their services to the public at this time. Because of this, families who would typically visit those locations to access a computer and the internet have been left with limited or no access to digital services during the pandemic. To help get these families connected, Computer Reach is officially launching a "Curbside Pickup" option for community members to purchase affordable technologies in person at the Computer Reach Warehouse in Pittsburgh. In addition to...