Outreach and School Improvement Information Item

DATE:	Tuesday, February 20, 2018
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Recognition of Local Business Partner, Computer Mentors, in Partnership with Hillsborough Alliance of Black School Educators and the District, Raised Funds to Assist Local Title I Schools in Purchasing Computers (Outreach & School Improvement)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Computer Mentors, led by Ralph Smith, Executive Director and Founder, launched a community campaign to purchase (100) computers to assist students and teachers. The following schools received computers: Foster Elementary Mort Elementary Oak Park Elementary Potter Elementary Sheehy Elementary Booker T. Washington Elementary Memorial Middle School   Hosted at Hillsborough Community College (HCC), this year marks the fifth year of the annual Teen Business Challenge (TBC) competition, organized by Computer Mentors and co-sponsored by Connectwise and Citi. TBC is powered by volunteers from the education, entrepreneurial, and community sectors, such as Hillsborough Alliance of Black School Educators (HABSE). Twenty High School students are selected to compete in teams with learning outcomes that include three core competencies: collaboration, creative thinking, and communication. All student participants will be gifted the Samsung tablet used in the competition and the winning team will receive a Microsoft Surface Pro. Hillsborough Alliance of Black School Educators (HABSE) appreciates all efforts from its partners to support student achievement.  HABSE will connect with Computer Mentors to empower our minority students, especially African-American Achievers with the technology, tools, and talent needed to build successful futures.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Develop a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration • Engage and communicate with families and stakeholders • Demonstrate "best practices" in all aspects of safety: student, employee, visitor, facility, transportation, and health
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  No)
$39,000 in revenue generated for both programs; $21,000 donated to computer equipment and $18,000 provided in technology to all participants and the winning student team.
EVALUATION
N/A
SUBMITTED BY:  MaryLou Whaley, Director, Community Engagement & Philanthropy

		Larry Sykes, Ed.D.
		Assistant Superintendent (813) 231-1874
		A 01
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20180220_860 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 01