Texcellence Program Reaches Milestone

When his mom Kristine asked what all the excitement was about, Lance Anspach signed to her that he wasn’t just getting a computer last night.  Their family was also in the spotlight as the 4,500th in Sarasota County to benefit from the Texcellence Computer Donation Program.

One of over 70 students of all ages who arrived with their families at Riverview High School on June 7,  the Alta Vista Elementary student and his mother were there to learn how to attach a keyboard to a CPU, use some cool educational software, and take home Lance’s very own computer. 

After welcoming the crowd, Texcellence coordinator Alina Klein announced that the Anspachs would receive computer number 4,500, surging past the program’s goal for the school year. At the end of the evening’s distribution, more than 4,506 families had received refurbished home computers, training, and technical support since Texcellence was launched in 2007. 

Some students interpreted for parents and showed off their computer skills while Texcellence trainers led two-hour workshops in English and Spanish. All left with clean desktop computers and monitors, flash drives, and a phone number for tech support. Many signed up for a subsidized twelve-month Internet subscription, with security and parental controls, for a single $40 set-up charge.

Lance, who won an essay contest at school this year, is delighted he’ll finally have a computer at home when he starts 5th grade in August. “Now I’ll be able to win even more,” he said. During the evening’s workshop, the ten-year-old assisted the trainer and helped grownups who were not so familiar with the technology.

Texcellence is produced by the Education Foundation Foundation of Sarasota County in collaboration with Sarasota County Schools. The program costs about $200,000 each year to operate, in addition to donations of equipment and services. Grants from Dart Foundation and ANS Foundation launched Texcellence in 2007, and their support continues to underwrite the program.  

The program was inspired by local teacher Ron Zimmerman, who refurbished gently used computers in his garage for students in need.  Today, any family with children in Sarasota County’s public schools who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals can qualify for one of the recycled computers.

Klein is already gearing up for 2011-2012.  “In this economy, these families simply can’t afford to provide a computer at home, but they know how important this technology is to their children’s future.  They go to great lengths to participate in Texcellence because they are truly motivated to help their children succeed.”