ACAP pursues computer grant
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Officials with the Aroostook County Action Program are pursuing a Community Development Block Grant, with funds to be used to establish a computer lab for students at the agency’s Park Street facility.
“ACAP is seeking grant funding under the Public Services Program of the CDBG program. The funds would be used to establish a computer lab at our Child & Family Center on Park Street in Presque Isle. This child care center currently serves 122 children ages birth to 13 in Head Start, Early Head Start, child care and after-school programs,” said Kim Smith, resource developer for the agency.
Smith said it has been shown that the “emergence of information and knowledge as core assets for development and economic growth is widening the gap between the rich and the poor.”
“Quality education is key to bridging that information gap and computers in education are an important part of the solution. The 10-year Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow research program demonstrated that integrating computers into learning improved test scores, writing ability, social skills and confidence, motivation and more,” Smith said.
Establishing a computer lab at the facility will allow underprivileged youth an opportunity to have access to modern technology that will allow them to do homework and other activities at the center.
“The introduction of computers into this facility will have a large impact because many of these children have little or no access to computers in their homes after school. With access to and by learning how to use computers, students will have access to the world at large,” said Smith.
In addition to improving math skills as well as logical and analytical thinking, Smith said networking computers enable students to interact with other cultures, time zones and languages, allowing better understanding of the world outside their immediate surroundings.
“Studies have shown that computer skills learned at an early age benefit students during higher education and in future careers. In addition, students introduced to computers at an early age adapt more quickly to advances in technology and typically do not fear additional training and new concepts as do those lacking technology skills,” she said.
Computerized learning, according to Smith, allows each student to learn at his/her rate of processing information, unique needs and innate abilities.
“Learning is, therefore, more enjoyable and rewarding, which can intensify and accelerate learning,” noted Smith.
Studies show computers help level the educational playing field for boys and girls.
“Studies also show that math and science skills tend to be less developed in girls. Girls, statistically, are not as likely to play video games to develop basic computer and technology skills. Statistics indicate that girls are more likely to have access to computers in a school environment. It is also very important to provide teachers with the time and training to familiarize them with computers and how to use computerized educational applications in the classroom,” she said.
Smith said having the computers at the facility will also benefit the teachers.
“Teachers cannot use tools and applications they do not understand. Having an on-site computer classroom will allow teachers to learn and practice new computerized educational applications and provide computers to students who may not otherwise have access, thus enhancing their learning abilities for school subjects and life skills,” said Smith.
One of the basic requirements in applying for a CDBG grant involves obtaining public input and involvement in the grant process. A public hearing on this grant application will be held on Thursday, April 28, at 4 p.m. in City Council Chambers, third floor, City Hall, 12 Second St.
ACAP provides the people of Aroostook with services and programs in the area of health, nutrition, child and family, energy and housing, and employment and training. For additional information on this grant or to share an opinion about this project, contact Smith by calling 764-3721 or e-mail ksmith@acap-me.org.
