East Orange, NJ, July 23, 2020: Greg Campbell of Electronic Access Foundation (EAF) will be donating 25 computers to students of East Orange’s new Virtual S.W.E.P. (Summer Work Experience Program), a dynamic virtual learning experience held in collaboration with the City of East Orange, V.I.P Online Academy and Seton Hall University.
The computers will be distributed to eligible students in order to ensure their ability to fully participate in the city’s remote learning experience thanks to EAF, a non-profit established for the purpose of donating surplus electronic equipment to people in need, and Grades for Life, a nonprofit organization that provides incentives for students to achieve in academics and the trades.
Students who are enrolled in the personal care cohort will also be receiving 60 hair and makeup kits courtesy of Janet Collection and KISS USA.
The distribution will take place in front of 44 City Hall Plaza in East Orange on Friday, July 24 at 11am.
“As more services, programs and activities have shifted to virtual platforms during the pandemic, the digital divide has become more evident than ever, especially among our school-age population,” said Mayor Green. “I am extremely grateful to acknowledge the generosity of the Electronic Access Foundation, which has helped us bridge the gap for our young people trying to learn. I also thank Janet Collection and KISS USA for providing our students with hands-on tools to amplify their training.”
The inaugural virtual program, now in its second week, has an enrollment of 300 students and offers six industry-specific modules focusing on construction and labor, personal care, wellness and fitness, media, music development and graphic design.
Since starting on July 13, the online program has featured a slew of skilled instructors, industry experts, and celebrity influencers, including Love and Hip Hop’s Yandy Smith, civil rights activist Tamika Mallory, and author and entrepreneur Jamila Davis, who founded the V.I.P. Online Academy as a supportive resource to motivate students to do well in school, discover viable career opportunities and learn to avoid poor choices.
“When I log in each day to connect with these students, I can see the program already beginning to work in their lives,” said Davis. “In addition to academics, we’re working with these teens to develop personal accountability and real marketable skills that can translate into jobs and startup businesses in the community right now. And these donations will help put the 21st century tools of the trade in their hands.”
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WHO: Mayor Ted R. Green, Jamila Davis and Electronic Access Foundation
WHAT: Computer and Learning Kits Distribution
WHEN: Friday, July 24, 2020 at 11am
WHERE: East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza
