COMPUTERS BRING SMILES TO STUDENTS & VETERANS

In today’s consumer-oriented culture, it is genuinely uplifting to see a room full of graduating students who are receiving free computer software, speakers, and scanners but are more excited about their diplomas. In Flagler County School’s Make It- Take It (MITI) program students displayed in refreshing enthusiasm as they collected their certificates.
Besides the diplomas and tech accessories, students took home computers they had built during the educational program. Graduation took place at MITI’s new classroom location at the Flagler Beach Disabled American Veterans (DAV) building. Over 100 celebrants attended the event including local dignitaries, school board representatives, and officials from other districts interested in learning about the successful program.
Soon after the graduation, country music blasted from MITI grad Tyler Jacob’s self-built computer as he happily chatted about the classes. “ I’m a natural and helped the other students.” Said the Palm Coast junior. He explained that his group took the bus from school to the DAV for several weeks to learn the computer building process. About program director Veronica Maggs, Tyler said, “ She’s a good teacher>She knows everything.” The Institute for Digital Inclusion founded this program for at-risk students and adults with disabilities. Led by Adult and Community Education’s Veronica Maggs, the computer training helps students acquire problem-solving skills while increasing their self-esteem and confidence.
Used computers are donated by many individuals, businesses, and organizations. Machines are wiped clean and used for spare parts or reconditioned in the classes of these Flagler County students who do not own computers. They spend the first two weeks learning software applications and the second two weeks working hands-on with computer software.
When MITI moved to the DAV, a bonus was the expansion to include training of veterans. At the recent graduation, vets composed about half of the class. Although shyer about accepting their diplomas, they were equally enthusiastic about their training. A strong advocate and supporter us DAV Chapter 86 Commander Finley Hall. He and Maggs agree that it makes more sense to join forces rather than compete for resources.
The graduation banquet was another benefit of the two organizations combining resources, as the group dined on fabulous food prepared by Adult Education culinary students who now train in the recently refurbished DAV kitchen.
Hall’s and Magg’s projects extend far beyond MITI’s original goals. This year they have provided computers to nursing homes, Boys & Girls Clubs, and are currently trying to distribute laptops supplied by NASCAR to overseas servicemen and their families. They were also thrilled to provide over 100 computers to a Katrina-ravaged Baton Rouge school that was adopted by the Flagler County School District.