Computers for Youth Awarded $23M in Federal Grants to Improve the Home Learning Environment of Families in New York City and Los Angeles
The US Commerce Department announced that CFY has been awarded two grants totaling $23M to improve the Home Learning Environment and increase broadband adoption in the nation's two largest school districts—New York City and Los Angeles. These awards give CFY a hard-won stamp of approval and will have wide-reaching effects across the country.
In New York, CFY will partner with the New York City Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications and the New York City Department of Education, working directly with schools to serve nearly 19,000 students while educating their parents about affordable broadband options.
In Los Angeles, CFY is partnering with the Los Angeles Unified School District to bring the same services to nearly 16,000 low-income families.
Since starting operations in 1999, CFY has grown to become the nation's leader in improving the Home Learning Environment for low-income families. CFY partners directly with schools in five cities across the country to improve students’ performance in core academic subjects and to increase parents' confidence as learning partners.
CFY will work with teachers and administrators from schools in low-income neighborhoods in both Los Angeles and New York City to provide free family-centered training focused on using technology to strengthen core academic skills. Each family takes home its own refurbished home computer that is broadband-ready and includes pre-installed learning software that has been carefully selected to be both engaging and educational. Families also receive broadband enrollment information, including available local discounts, and bilingual 24/7 tech support.
Nationwide, CFY’s impact has been significant:
- 83% of teachers in CFY partner schools said that our program increased the level of parental participation in students’ learning and education.
- More than 94% of the teachers and a full 100% of principals report that CFY is having a positive effect on students’ outlook on school.
- More than 95% of participating parents say they feel more confident that they can help their child learn.
- More than 90% of parents say they feel more connected to their child's school.
Learn More:
News Releases
Media Coverage
- Dept. of Commerce Announces Funding for Public Computing in New York City
and Los Angeles
NYWorks NYS Broadband Stimulus Flash Bulletin,
April 5, 2010
- Computers for Youth Awarded $7.6 Million in Broadband Stimulus for LA Schools
StimulatingBroadband.com, March 23, 2010
- Los Angeles, New York Win $29 Million in Broadband Grants
BroadbandBreakfast.com, March 22, 2010
- Los Angeles, NYC benefit from $29 million in broadband grants
Muniwireless.com, March 21, 2010
- BTOP grants for New York and California
Benton Foundation, March 20, 2010
- NTIA Announces Broadband Stimulus Awards of $29 Million for California and New York
StimulatingBroadband.com, March 19, 2010
Get Involved
- If you live in or around Los Angeles or NYC, you can get involved by volunteering to help train families at CFY Family Learning Workshops. To volunteer please contact us at volunteer-LA@cfy.org or volunteer-NYC@cfy.org.