KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries, Western Michigan University, and the Portage Community Center have each received a $20,000 from AT&T that the company says will support their efforts to bring more access to the internet and digital technologies for individuals and families in need in Kalamazoo and Portage.
Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries will use their $20,000 grant to support their Education and Life Skills Center for families experiencing homelessness. The Center, open to anyone staying at Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries, offers a wide variety of classes, including digital literacy, life skills, healthy living, GED certification, and college/career readiness. With the AT&T funds, Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries plans to purchase 10 new computers and offer wraparound services for guests like food, personal care items, and equipment.
The Portage Community Center will use their money to expand their Youth Development Program, which provides for middle and high school students in Portage with access to devices, high-speed internet, and computer software programs to help them build academic and digital skills.
Western Michigan University will use their grant to expand a 24/7 online tutoring program for middle and high school students. The Office of Pre-College Programming currently operates a tutoring service at four Kalamazoo Public School sites in collaboration with Michigan GEAR Up, Upward Bound, the College of Education, and the Mentoring for Success Program at WMU.
With this AT&T contribution, WMU will offer a 24/7 online tutoring platform for students unable to attend the regular after-school sessions and expanding the online services to students outside of the four schools where in person tutoring is offered. The Pre-College Office will also provide digital literacy workshops to help students with online job searches and resume building.
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