Supporting Equity, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning in Howard County Public Schools
Supporting Equity, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning in Howard County Public Schools
Here's how the Bright Minds Foundation supports equity, innovation, and lifelong learning.
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Students at four middle schools have been selected as recipients of 100 Internet ready desktop computers and printers from the Bright Minds Foundation, a local group supporting equity, innovation and lifelong learning in Howard County schools. Students at Oakland Mills and Wilde Lake Middle Schools received computers in October, and students at Murray Hill and Patuxent Valley Middle Schools received computers in November, 2009.
The Computers for Students Program is a collaborative initiative of the Bright Minds Foundation and the Lazarus Foundation, a local nonprofit organization which refurbishes computers. "Funds for the program come primarily from private donations solicited by the Bright Minds Foundation Board of Directors," said Chairman N. Douglas Hostetler.
“We are part way through a three-year, $1 million campaign, ‘Bridging the Digital Divide,’ and to date we have over $425,000 in gifts,” Hostetler said.
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The lead gift came from McDonald’s Restaurants of Howard County, who pledged $100,000. The Howard County Board of Education provided $60,000 in funding, and the Hostetler Family Foundation and Howard County General Hospital: A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine each contributed $50,000. Other major gifts came from Grant Capital Management, $30,000; Ascend One Corporation, $25,000; and GBL Sales, $20,000. Creig Northrop & The Northrop Team of Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. and David and Patty Walter made $10,000 contributions. In-kind donations came from Redhead Companies, $20,000, and Jean Moon & Associates, $10,000.
Earlier this year, 85 computers were distributed to students in Dunloggin, Murray Hill, Mayfield Woods, Oakland Mills and Patuxent Valley Middle Schools. Harper’s Choice and Wilde Lake Middle Schools also received 16 computers as part of a pilot program in December, 2008.
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“Bright Minds grew out of recognition that this community has a vested interest in maintaining the high quality of our public schools,” Hostetler said. “We focus on helping all Howard County students reach their full potential by funding programs, services and ideas that can make a difference in their lives.”
The only stipulation to receiving a free computer is that students and their parents agree to attend a workshop where they will learn how to set up their computer and printer at home, as well as how to use the computer and the software that is included. Additionally, parents are given important information about Internet safety and security.
For more information about the Bright Minds Foundation and to make a contribution, visit www.brightmindsfoundation.org or call 410-740-0707.
“Bright Minds grew out of a recognition that this community has a vested interest in maintaining the high quality of our public schools. We focus on helping all Howard County students reach their full potential by funding programs, services and ideas that can make a difference in their lives.”
Doug Hostetler, Chairman, Bright Minds Foundation
Equity
Although Howard County is one of the wealthiest communities in the country... More
Innovation
The Howard County Public School System supports innovation and professional growth... More
Lifelong Learning
Bright Minds recognizes that we are all teachers and learners throughout our lives... More
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
