After-School Technology Program
A recent report released by the American Psychological Association reports that underprivileged students who are able to use the internet at home have higher GPAs and stronger scores on standardized tests of reading achievement.1 Yet, only 45% of students from low income families own a home computer and only 29% have a working internet connection.2   To help bridge this digital divide, the NOLA Fund began its computer program in the Spring of 2006.

Working with students who do not currently own computers, the NOLA Fund provides over 30 hours of free computer instruction.  Focusing on fundamental applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, FrontPage, & Excel, each students gains a proficient understanding of computer applications required for success in both high school and college. The best part: graduating students are given their computers to keep and every effort is made to ensure a working internet connection is available in their homes.

Pictures:
New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School
McMain High School
O. Perry Walker High School  
Sophie B. Wright Middle School

Previous Program(s):

Entrepreneurship Program
In an effort to encourage budding businessmen and women, the NOLA Fund provided an entrepreneurship class to students at the New Orleans Charter High School for Science and Math. Engaging in a curriculum that provided hands on experience, the students were taught the basics of business and then given the tools to start their own class company.

Saturdays of Service:
During the spring 2006 semester, the NOLA Fund has spent substantial time and resources dedicated to the renovation of Allen Elementary School. Following Hurricane Katrina, not enough students of Allen Elementary returned to reopen the school. Instead, the school is now home to the New Orleans Charter School for Science and Math whose former locale suffered severe damage from Katrina. The NOLA Fund has helped the transition process by cleaning out all of the classrooms and repainting them.

Waveland Stress Relief Program:
Beginning in the summer of 2006, the NOLA Fund will organize a stress relief program in Waveland, Mississippi. Waveland, a town of approximately 7,500 people, suffered greatly from Hurricane Katrina due to its proximity to the Gulf Coast. NOLA Fund  assisted Waveland by arranging for the delivery of sporting goods and other recreational equipment designed to alleviate high levels of stress inherent in rebuilding.