Bayview first-graders receive donated laptops, tablets

First-grade students at Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School in San Francisco’s Bayview District were surprised Monday morning by the donation of new laptops and tablets.

The 20 HP Chromebooks and 20 Amazon Fire HD tablets were donated by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and its social impact partner, JV-MWH/Webcor.

SFPUC General Manager Harlan L. Kelly Jr. said in a news release:

“With these laptops and tablets, we hope these students will be inspired to learn more about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers.”

The donated electronics will help students access a reading program designed to put kindergarten through second grade children on an early path to college and careers.

Board of Education President Stevon Cook said about the donation:

“We believe every student should have access to the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century and community support helps make this possible.”

The donation is the result of a partnership with the SFPUC’s community benefits program, with the aim of preparing the next generation of environmental stewards.

School principal Vidrale Franklin said:

“With these laptops and tablets, our students have new resources to explore and discover different ways of learning about their favorite subjects.”