Published Date: September 14, 2002
Narrowing and closing the "digital divide" between minority youngsters in low income, urban families and their more advantaged counterparts in the suburbs is what PowerUp is all about.
There are few home computers in the inner city, and youngsters can get only so much access to computers in school. Now, thanks to grants from the Dater Foundation in the last two years, nearly 300 youngsters are regularly spending after-school time at the PowerUp computer lab at the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati.
PowerUp is a national program that lets local schools and organizations provide youngsters with access to software programs and the Internet in a safe, fun environment.
Each child has an online account in the PowerUp web site, and youngsters see the power of the computer as they participate in supervised chat room discussions and play interactive games designed to improve reading and other academic skills. An Urban League staff facilitator works with the youngsters, helping them improve their basic skills and answering questions. Other volunteer "coaches" support the program, too.
Dater Foundation grants ensured the continuation of the PowerUp program through the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati. The League was established in 1949 and provides programs and services to help African American individuals and families become economically self sufficient.