[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Select high needs alumni from AUSL’s Network high schools received a laptop to assist in their transition to college. AUSL recognized a need for devices for college-going seniors, so we reached out to a long-term partner who provided us with the financial support to purchase them. The laptops were distributed to AUSL alumni in mid September and come equipped with device protection and one year of Microsoft Office.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Emily Gottleib, a Post Secondary Coach at AUSL Network School The Collins Academy High School understands the impact the device distribution has on AUSL alumni: “The laptop program has been truly crucial for our alumni students. In a year when almost all classes are online, it would have been extraordinarily difficult for students to be successful accessing classes through their phones. Getting the additional laptops from AUSL combined with the CPS chromebooks allowed me to distribute laptops to all college bound students who did not currently have one. Without these resources, I have absolutely no idea how students would be able to complete assignments, attend their classes and stay on track.
“I believe if AUSL were to distribute laptops to every college bound student who needed one, it would make an enormous difference in how prepared students are during their first semesters.” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”9440″ img_size=”medium” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Expansion of the laptop distribution program is necessary, as other staff from AUSL schools recount how students without access to laptops are trying to complete coursework over their mobile phones. “I would love to see it expanded to more students, including those who are looking to be gainfully employed,” said Kate Kauschal, a staff member at Phillips High School. In addition to coursework, these laptops help with “Resume building, placement testing, job applications, all work better on a computer. I actually just had a student reach out last night as he thought he could make it through the semester without a laptop but realized the demands from his classes were too large. Luckily one of my previously slated laptop recipients gave up his spot as a family member had helped him out.”
This year marks the first year AUSL has been able to provide college-going seniors with this level of device support. Through the support of an Anonymous Foundation, AUSL was able to purchase these much needed laptops to enhance our students’ education beyond high school.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
