CDW Helps Provide Technology Resources and Digital Equity to Step Up For Students

CDW has partnered with Step Up For Students to help provide technology resources and digital equity for recipients of Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities, and the Reading Scholarship program.

“At CDW, we understand how important it is for students to have access to the technology resources they need to be successful in school,” said Taylor Amerman, CDW Global Social Impact. “Our partnership with Step Up For Students, in support of Florida school children, is just one of the many ways we are committed to digital equity, and we are thrilled to see all the amazing work this organization has accomplished through our collaboration. CDW’s global social impact strategy is focused on empowering learners to reach their unlimited potential through technology, and our purpose is to make technology work so people – just like these amazing students – can do great things.” 

Through this partnership with CDW, families throughout Florida have been able to access technology resources, including devices and educational apps, that are necessary for their children to thrive in school.

The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities and the Reading Scholarship are managed by Step Up For Students. The scholarships allow students to pursue and access educational support designed to help them achieve their academic goals.

The Reading Scholarship was created to help young public school students who have difficulty reading. The causes of reading challenges are often varied and complex, but many times digital tools can provide alternative teaching methods that can help students overcome their struggles.

Students like Samantha, who is just one of many young scholars who have learned to love reading because of the Reading Scholarship. Samantha grew up being read to by her mom, Lindsey, so it was surprising when Samantha didn’t enjoy reading.

When she was in the third grade Samantha received a low score on the English Language Arts section of the Florida Standards Assessments, which made her eligible for the Reading Scholarship. With this scholarship, Lindsey purchased an iPad and downloaded the Epic! app.

Epic! provides digital books and videos for children 12 and under. It suggests books based on what the child is reading and tracks their progress for the parents. It also has educational features.

“Epic! makes it easier for me to read, because if I don’t know what a word is, I can tap on it, and the app will sound it out,” said Samantha, now a 9-year-old fourth-grader at Imagine School Lakewood Ranch, a charter school in Manatee County.

As a result of CDW’s support, even more students like Samantha will continue to have access to the digital resources they need to help them achieve academic success. In addition to this partnership, CDW also provides Step Up For Students with philanthropic contributions.

“We are grateful to have CDW as a partner,” said Doug Tuthill, Step Up For Students president. “Technology has become a critical tool in supporting our students, and CDW’s investment in our school community means that even more of these young children will have access to the resources they need as they advance and learn.”