844th Communications Group improves learning, access in local schools

Published Feb. 28, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Chyenne A. Adams
Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Airmen from the 844th Communications Group, Air Force District of Washington Communications Directorate (A6), Joint Base Andrews, Md., committed to a special project this month that has improved the lives of hundreds of elementary school children.

The group partnered with Francis T. Evans Elementary School in Clinton, Md., through the Department of Defense Computers for Learning Program to increase the students' access to technology. Not only did the group donate 87 computers and monitors through the DOD program; volunteers also spent time at the school Feb. 16 and 17 to construct computer lab cubicles and properly install all the computers.

"The Air Force's commitment to this project has been amazing," said Dr. Deborah T. Stone, Francis T. Elementary School Principal. "These computers will greatly enhance our students' opportunities by giving them much greater access to computer based study programs for our learning curriculum and state assessment exams, improving our students' academic performance and knowledge of technology."

Prince Georges County information technology officials on hand during the set-up of all 87 computers at the school said the Airmen did in one day what might have taken them months to be able to accomplish.

"The whole point of this undertaking was to be a positive influence in our local community," said Capt. Temesha R. Madison, AFDW/A6 executive officer and project coordinator. "This amazing DOD program allows us to refurbish resources that the military can no longer make use of and provide them to schools with a significant need. The fact that we can do that for a school right here in our community and see the direct impact of our actions is amazing, and these children deserve it."

The group committed to the project from beginning to end, according to the captain. The project included cleaning the grounds of the school, refurbishing the computers, setting up the computer lab and ensuring every computer was fully set up and ready to go for the students.

"The mission of Francis T. Evans Elementary School is to develop the potential of each student in a nurturing learning environment while ensuring that all students master the essential elements of the curriculum, acquire knowledge, and develop skills that will enable them to become successful, strong effective leaders in their communities as well as high achievers in their lifelong endeavors," said Stone. "We are incredibly grateful for the commitment and the follow-through from our military community partners in accomplishing that mission."

Schools and education nonprofit organizations can participate in the DOD Computers for Learning program. A school is eligible to participate if it is a public, private or parochial school serving pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students. An educational nonprofit organization must meet three criteria in order to participate. First, it must serve pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students only. Second, it must be tax-exempt under section 501(c) of the U.S. tax code. Third, it must operate primarily for the purpose of education.

One of the U.S. Air Force's five direct reporting units, AFDW is the single Air Force voice for planning and implementing Air Force and joint solutions within the National Capital Region. The command organizes, trains, equips and provides forces for Air and Space Expeditionary Force deployment, homeland operations and ceremonial support within the NCR and worldwide.