Bettis presents computers to local middle school students

Category: 'Y' Published on Wednesday, 04 August 2010 09:36 Written by Courier Newsroom Hits: 1783

Jerome Bettis, former Pittsburgh Steelers running back and current NBC analyst, returned to Heinz Field July 21 to present computers to 21 local middle school kids.

The Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation in partnership with Duquesne University Learning Skills Center, and Pittsburgh Public Schools provided the youngsters with Saturday and afterschool sessions of instructions on using and assembling computers. After completing the sessions, they each were rewarded with a free computer.

COMPUTER HEAVEN—Taylor Hatchin, 12, right, receives a computer for completing the Computer Camp program from Jerome Bettis, left, as her mom, Sadie Hatchin, looks on.

The program’s goal is to bridge the gap of the digital divided by helping students learn how to use and repair computers and have access to them.

Salaries for the camp professor, Jennifer Milcarek, from the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, as well as 10 graduate and undergraduate tutors, was contributed by the foundation. The university provided each participant with a flash drive, a weekly meal in the campus dining area, bus transportation and the curriculum.

This is the third year of the computer training program. Since its inception more than 95 local students and families have benefited from this program.