Buccaneers Surprise Teachers With $50,000 In New Technology
TAMPA, FL — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are helping teachers in one economically challenged school in Tampa bridge the digital divide by giving students access to technology they couldn't otherwise afford.
On Monday, the team presented more than $50,000 in new technology to teachers at Young Middle Magnet School in East Tampa, a federally designated Title 1 school with a high number of students living in poverty.
The donation included more than 100 new devices including box loads of laptop computers, that will enhance students' learning experience at Young, which specializes in hands-on learning through its science, technology, engineering and math curriculum.
"Technology is more important than ever before in enhancing processes for communication and learning, and the No. 1 place we want to bridge the digital divide is in our schools," said Buccaneers co-owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz. "These devices will have an immediate impact at Young Middle School, where we are proud to support the STEM curriculum through our Youth Leadership Program and improved technology, resources and mentorship that strengthen the student experience."
Last fall, the team launched the Buccaneers Youth Leadership Program at Young Middle Magnet School, establishing a first-of-its-kind commitment from Buccaneers players and staff members to serve as mentors for 25 students.
The program, which is continuing this year, has been a focal point of the team's Social Justice Initiative, which supports year-round player efforts dedicated to achieving social justice through conversations and programs produce positive changes.
"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are champions on the football field and champions for children across the Bay area," said Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Addison Davis. "This generous donation will make positive educational and emotional impacts on students at Young Middle Magnet, where this organization has already had a profound influence through their incredible mentorship initiative. We deeply appreciate the Buccaneers for their dedication to making our schools better and in turn, our community stronger."
Teachers will be able to use the new devices to access educational resources, such as the Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a free education portal that makes next-gen learning tools available to all kindergarten through 12th grade teachers educators nationwide.
The Verizon Innovative Learning HQ addresses barriers to digital access under the company's Citizen Verizon, its plan for economic, environmental and social advancement.
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