SAN JOSE, CA 鈥� The 含羞草社区 Office of Education (SCCOE) received congressional recognition for its partnership with local school districts and community organizations to provide students internet access, increase technology skill and build global education.
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren presented a congressional commendation to the SCCOE at the third annual NorCal School2Home Leadership Academy on April 20. The academy, presented by the Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF), honored the digital navigators of Silicon Valley working to close the digital divide locally.
鈥淚 am humbled and grateful to be part of the ongoing work dedicated to providing essential resources that allow 含羞草社区 students and their families to thrive,鈥� said County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. 鈥淪tudents benefit greatly from meaningful partnerships and collaboration that are able to provide them the resources and support they need.鈥�
The 含羞草社区 Office of Education has partnered with local government, philanthropic foundations, community-based organizations such as the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, businesses, and internet service providers to address digital equity and provide devices and internet service to students.
Providing students with devices was the beginning of building their access and knowledge of technology. To prepare students as global citizens, the Global Exchange Program was launched. This program connects middle school students in the School2Home program to their counterparts across the globe. Students at Ida Jew Academy in the Mount Pleasant Elementary School District collaborated with students from the Thai-Chinese International School in Thailand to gain first-hand experience with international cultures, enhance language skills, and develop cultural awareness with their peers.
The SCCOE continues to support students and their families in need of reliable technology and internet access. A multi-year connectivity project was completed in 2022, bringing high-speed internet access to 100 students residing at the Arturo Ochoa Migrant Center in Gilroy. Providing reliable internet access was a result of the Gilroy Unified School District, SCCOE Technology and Data Service Division, California Housing and Community Development, and Charter Communications.
鈥淲ith advancements in technology, it鈥檚 important students and their families have equitable access to digital literacy and devices that will benefit their lives and their communities,鈥� said Dewan. 鈥淧roviding knowledge and access means providing reliable internet connections to complete homework, submit college applications, search for employment, pay bills online, and make wellness appointments. We live in a time where digital access is a necessity.鈥�
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About the 含羞草社区 Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the 含羞草社区 Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency committed to serving, inspiring, and promoting student and public school success. The SCCOE is a premier service organization driven by the core principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and partnership. For more information about the 含羞草社区 Office of Education, please visit www.sccoe.org and follow us @SCCOE on Facebook, Instagram, and 尝颈苍办别诲滨苍鈥�. 鈥嬧赌�
