State-Journal.com - 3 organizations receiving computers

Heather Gate, a program manager with ConnectKentucky, demonstrates using a computer after a press conference at the Simon House Monday. (State Journal/Hilly Schiffer)

Rene True, the executive director of ConnectKentucky, speaks during a press conference at the Simon House as Alexis Stanton, 11, a resident at the Simon House, listens Monday afternoon. (State Journal/Hilly Schiffer)

ConnectKentucky announced that three Frankfort organizations focused on education would receive 20 new computers and printers through ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids program Monday at the Simon House.

The Kings Center, the Simon House and Thorn Hill Learning Center received five, three and 13 computers and printers through the program. A $10,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation purchased the new computers and Lexmark donated the printers.

The organizations will not receive the computers until they are delivered in a couple of weeks, according to ConnectKentucky’s Executive Director Rene True.

“We’re just waiting on shipping right now,” he said.

Computers 4 Kids is a program designed to bring computers and technology to disadvantaged children and give them opportunities to succeed in school through technology, according to True.

This is the program’s first distribution event in Frankfort, True said.

“Since ConnectKentucky is now headquartered here in Frankfort, I’ve been looking for an opportunity to do a distribution event,” True said.

Randy Roberts, executive director of United Way of Franklin County, said ConnectKentucky approached the United Way to find local organizations in need of computers.

“We gave them a list of about four or five organizations,” he said. “I don’t think you could’ve picked three better and more deserving organizations. It really ties into our mission to reduce high school dropouts.”

Thirteen students from the Kings Center attended the press conference and posed for pictures on the Simon House’s steps afterward.

Kentucky State University graduate student and Kings Center mentor James Jenkins said the students were ecstatic with the upgrade.

“They’ve been talking about it all week,” he said. “They’re really looking forward to the new computers and what they’ll be able to do with the new programs and the games.

“Back when I was their age, we used to have the old computers with the big floppy disks. These kids are getting a grasp on what the future’s bringing with the new technology.”

Karen Black, director of the Simon House, said days like Monday really make her love her job.

“Computers are just so important in school and I have moms who are in college, and it’s just such an opportunity for them to do their homework and keep up,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for them to connect to the outside world.”

Also during the event, Attorney General Jack Conway and the Kentucky Department of Education announced that ConnectKentucky would join CybersafeKY, an Internet safety partnership.

“Because Internet safety is a challenge for parents, because it’s a challenge for schools, because it’s a challenge for administrators, because it’s a challenge for the kids themselves, I’ve made it a top priority in my office,” Conway said.

Conway said CybersafeKY would host two free regional parent workshops – one Oct. 15 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Hazard Community and Technical College and another Oct. 22 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Western Kentucky University.

ConnectKentucky is focused on promoting technology throughout the commonwealth. Ninety-five percent of Kentucky households have access to broadband Internet connections and home computer ownership increased by 20 percent since 2004.