Children’s Education Technology Follow-on Grants
In honor of Fox & Roach 
Charities 20th Anniversary to be celebrated in 2015, the Board of Trustees awarded grants totaling $150,000 for technology advancement in children’s education to three separate organizations at the end of 2014. $50,000 was disbursed to each of three area educational organizations: The Gesu School in North Philadelphia, PA, Respond, Inc. in Camden, NJ and West End Neighborhood House and Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center in Wilmington, DE. The funds were used to purchase, upgrade and expand educational technology and thereby transform the learning environment for children that would not otherwise have access to these tools.
Furthering the commitment to giving children in difficult life circumstances access to education technology, the Board approved $45,000 in follow-on grants at the end of 2015. $15,000 was given to each of the three schools to continue to deploy transformational technologies to their students.
Gesu School, Student Centered Media Station
Gesu School is investing its
$15,000 grant in building a student centered media station in its library.
Computing devices and peripherals:
- 6 All-in-One Desktop Computers
- Color Printer & Ink
- Scanner
- Installation
Furniture
- 2 adjustable Flipper Tables
- 3 Computer Tables & Printer Table
- 12 Circulation Task Chairs
The Media Station is accessible during the day and the after-school period. Each class has library twice a month and the homework club meets there after school. The library also serves as a central location for small group work.
View More Photos of the Media Center
West End Neighborhood House, Equipping Two Locations Serving Youth Grades K – 12
$15,000 will be invested in computer stations at two facilities:
Computers & Equipment
- 8 Computers
- 8 Monitors
- MS Office & other Software
- Installation
Technology Specialist
- Will teach computer use and provide for maintenance of equipment and application updates
The computing stations are used in West End’s programs for youngsters in grades K – 12, as well as for former foster care young people up to age 24 to complete tasks, create resumes and cover letters, and submit job applications.
Respond, Inc., HATCH/iSmartStart Technology for Preschoolers
$15,000 to increase Respond’s investment in HATCH/iSmartStart technology. HATCH is a leading provider of technology that creates personalized learning experiences for young children, monitoring their progress as they play.
Computers, Tablets & Learning Technology
- Equip 5 iSmartStart Pre-K Computer Learning Centers
- 5 HATCH Teacher Tablets, preloaded with Teaching
Strategies Gold and other teaching aids - Upgrade all computers with iSmartStart Elite, enhancing dual language learning, upgrades to learning systems, and better reporting and archiving of student data.
iSmartStart is the only preschool computer technology that focuses on developing 18 core math and literacy skills essential for success in school and beyond. Focused on preschoolers aged 3 – 6, the iSmartStart technology ensures competency before moving children to more advanced levels.