TECHNOLOGY FOR TEENS PROGRAM
Helping Boys & Girls Club Members Achieve Academically

Since 2005, the Technology for Teens program has awarded laptop computers to students from Bristol who are current members in good standing of the Bristol Boys & Girls Club and are accepted or planning to attend an accredited college or university. This initiative was started through the generosity of Bob Fiondella of Bristol and provides computers to students who are unable to purchase this much needed academic resource on their own. The program is administered by the Main Street Community Foundation and applications are available annually from the foundation or at the Bristol Boys & Girls Club.

Students are awarded computers as well as a complete orientation and training program provided by the staff at the Club. Since the beginning of the program, $30,000 in computers has been awarded to 23 students.

So what are the graduates from 2005 doing now?
Alicia Diaz graduated from Western Connecticut State University and is currently employed at Wheeler Clinic’s Connecticut Clearing House.
Anellyse Boebel graduated from Western Connecticut State University and is working at Wheeler Clinic while pursuing a masters degree.
Erica Pearson graduated from Southern Connecticut University and is currently working towards her masters. She is employed with Marrakech Inc. as a case manager of independent living support services.

How can you help?
It is the goal of all involved to continue to expand this worthy program. Donations can be made to the Main Street Community Foundation and designated for the Technology for Teens program. Additionally, any contacts and/or information on purchasing options or vendors for computers would aid in growing this program.

"As we move further into a technology based society it is vital that our future leaders are equipped with the necessary tools to compete. As a kid growing up within Davis Drive, I was full of hope, potential, desire and dreams but not always possess the opportunities needed to compete. Thankfully, I was selected as a Technology for Teens recipient. It's important to realize that it wasn't just the thought of receiving a computer and printer but also the training that came along with receiving such an award. I learned various programs, softwares and tools to assist me academically and also extend the life of the devices. I can proudly say 5 years later I still own my laptop and printer and both are in tip top condition thanks to the training regarding maintenance. Thanks to these devices I was able to withstand many long nights of paper writing which later lead to my college graduation day and my current pursuit of a Master's degree at Central Connecticut State University in mental health counseling. Within my current profession as a director of residential programs servicing people with disabilities, I have to travel a great deal throughout the day while also writing reports. My laptop allows me to complete my work responsibilities on the run."

- Erica Pearson, one of the first Tech for Teens recipients.