CIS and Comp-U-Dopt Partner to Provide Computers to Students
CIS of Houston recently partnered with Comp-U-Dopt Houston to coordinate the distribution of 5,000 computers for families in need across our campuses throughout the month of May
CIS provides comprehensive services for students and families trying to cope with hardships, doing whatever it takes to help break down barriers to students’ success in school and life. Since campuses closed in March, students have reported the lack of technology as one of their biggest challenges to continuing their education and accessing much-needed resources.
“As soon as schools closed their doors, the dedicated team at Comp-U-Dopt immediately jumped into action to help get computers into the hands of as many students as they could,” CIS of Houston CEO Lisa Descant said. “As our team of CIS student support specialists reach out to families every day, the lack of computers continues to be a significant challenge for so many. We’re excited to team up with Comp-U-Dopt to help direct computers to thousands of deserving students.”
From mental health counseling to access to meals and other emergency resources, CIS student support specialists, who typically are embedded on campuses, are now working remotely to surround students with a community of support and help them stay on their path to success in school, college and careers.
“We’re privileged to join CIS as they continue their ongoing work to support students in times of need. CIS staff say their students are eager to reconnect with teachers, counselors and friends. Computers provide access to critical lessons and assignments while also bringing a student’s support network into their home,” Comp-U-Dopt Houston Executive Director Colin Dempsey said.
Comp-U-Dopt and CIS will distribute 5,000 computers throughout May to pre-registered students at participating schools in Aldine, Alief, Fort Bend, Houston, Southwest Schools, and Spring Branch public school districts.
Comp-U-Dopt and Communities In Schools of Houston, both 501c3 nonprofits top-rated for financial transparency, are funded in part by generous donations. The thousands of computers set for distribution in May were made possible with contributions from HP through the Global Business Coalition for Education and by a $1 million gift from Eric and Shanna Bass.
“The incredible generosity shown by Eric and Shanna with this gift has a direct and immediate impact in alleviating the need for a significant number of families struggling to access resources,” Megan Steckly, CEO for Comp-U-Dopt, said.
Comp-U-Dopt continues to accept donations for more computers, and a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund has been set up by CIS to help more families access groceries, basic needs and maintain utilities during the pandemic.
About Comp-U-Dopt
Comp-U-Dopt is a nonprofit organization formed in 2007 with a mission to provide technology access and education to underserved youth. In 13 years they've delivered over 17,000 computers, 100,000 hours of technology education, and served more than 20,000 youth through their programs. With the COVID19 pandemic drastically shifting the landscape of education, Comp-U-Dopt has pivoted to put all energy and resources behind hardware distribution.
About Communities In Schools of Houston
This 2019-20 school year, CIS has been called to serve more than 125,000 students in Houston ISD, Spring Branch ISD, Alief ISD, Aldine ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Southwest Schools and Lone Star Colleges. From crisis intervention, trauma and mental health counseling to providing basic necessities, CIS student support specialists help educators create school cultures where students know it’s OK to reach out for help. Every dollar invested in CIS has been proven to create $18.80 of economic benefit for the community.