BUSINESS
THE MESA TRIBUNE | JUNE 7, 2020
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Mesa company helps foster kids connect online TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
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hen COVID-19 shuttered schools across the nation and forced students to shift to online learning, ER2 in Mesa was uniquely poised to help. The business, which provides new and refurbished technology to customers, donated 100 new Chromebooks to children in foster care, ensuring they would have the technology they needed to succeed in an e-learning environment during the pandemic and beyond. Robia Iggnhyte of Chandler said her foster son, a high school student, was thrilled to receive a Chromebook. “He was extremely happy, smiling from ear to ear,” said. “He was also excited to know that the laptop belongs to him and he has something to call his own.” Though primarily intended for schoolwork, the laptops offer bene�its beyond academic achievement. “Currently, he’s unable to visit with family and/or peers,” said Iggnhyte. “In addition to educational needs, the laptop allows him to connect with peers during uncertain times. He said, ‘this means so much to me.’” Many children lack access to computers at home, but the issue is especially problematic for kids in the foster care system. While 90 percent of U.S. teens have access to a computer, only 20 percent of urban foster youth – and 5 percent of foster kids in rural areas – have access. “The ripple effect of this technology gap is sobering: Nationally, fewer than 70 percent of kids in foster care graduate from high school,” company spokes-
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few things to call their own.” ER2 has partnered with DCS since 2018, when the department launched its Fostering Achievement through Computer Technology (F.A.C.T.) program, which provides technology and training to Arizona’s foster youth to boost academic achievement and level the playing �ield. “Our involvement with the F.A.C.T. program has provided hundreds of brandnew devices to teens,” said Derek Jackson, vice president of sales for ER2. “We plan to continue supporting the program to give these kids a boost, as our company is committed to donating 10% of our time, talent and treasure back to our community throughout the year.” Since the proER2 employees Ric Villa, left, and Gary Romero flank Darren DaRonco of the Arizona Department of Child Safety as they load Chromegram’s inception, books for delivery to Arizona foster youth. (Special to the Tribune) F.A.C.T. has bene�it“Every kid deserves to take classes ed 300 youth in the Arizona foster woman Katy Springer said. “Our strategic focus for 2020 includes without disruptions, and tech is vital to care system. In addition to receiving laptops that helping children in foster care,” said that,” added Darren DaRonco, a spokesGina Lidster, ER2’s director of human re- man for the state Department of Child are theirs to keep, teens complete online sources and team member engagement. Safety. “These computers are theirs to safety and responsibility training from “Donating the computers was a perfect keep, whether they move back home the Phoenix Police Department, Internet opportunity to live our vision of serving or are placed with another family. It’s Crimes Against Children Unit, and The a really big deal for kids who have very Arizona State Attorney General’s Of�ice. this often-overlooked population.”
Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com