New Initiative in Support of Distance Learning Will Include a
Donation of Educational Resources and Technological Tools for
Students in Need Across Los Angeles
The LA Kings (NHL), and their long-standing exclusive financial services sponsor, Wells Fargo are joining forces to help students in need across Los Angeles with the launch of “Team Up For Tech” – a new initiative designed to help address the educational needs of underserved youth, many of whom are learning remotely this year. “TeamUp for Tech,” will support students in underserved local communities and help combat the technological barriers of distance learning with the donation of mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, headphones and Chromebooks. SoLa I CAN Foundation and The Partnership for Los Angeles Schools – two nonprofits with strong ties to the local community, will be overseeing the distribution of these resources with a focus on students and families in need.
This year, while millions of students find themselves learning remotely for the first time in response to nation-wide efforts to combat COVID-19, far too many lack the resources needed to support adequate distance learning. According to a recent study done by The Partnership for Los Angeles Schools in collaboration with researchers from the University of Southern California (USC), more than 25% of families have insufficient or no broadband internet service in their homes. Additionally, many families also lack adequate tools such as smartphones, tablets and computers or share these devices among several family members, making at home learning that much more challenging. “Team Up for Tech” was established to help eliminate these educational barriers and bridge the digital divide for students and families.
“At Wells Fargo, we have a long legacy of serving those who need it most. We recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many children to pivot to remote learning this school year and not all students have consistent access to the proper technology to keep their education going,” said Kent Caldwell-Meeks, Wells Fargo local leader. “Our collaboration with AEG and the LA Kings allows us to give back to the communities we serve by helping students across Los Angeles maintain their studies and stay connected with their teachers and fellow students during these unprecedented times.”
To kick off the delivery of equipment to the students, Wells Fargo and the LA Kings will host a private drive-through distribution event for pre-selected families on Thursday, November 19 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the SoLa “Beehive” Campus, located at 912-1000 E. 60th St., Los Angeles, CA. 90001. Players from the LA Kings and select executives from Wells Fargo and the NHL team will be on site to greet and show support to the students and families in need as they pick up their brand-new equipment from the safety of their vehicles.
“The pandemic has posed many new hardships to low income families. A lack of reliable access to technology and internet has made the challenges of distance learning almost insurmountable with many children falling behind their more affluent peers. We are thrilled to be teaming up with the LA Kings and Wells Fargo on this important initiative to help kids gain the technology they need to effectively learn at school,” said, Sherri Francois, Executive Director of SoLa I CAN.
“The Partnership for LA Schools is grateful to our long-time partners at the LA Kings, Wells Fargo, and AEG for their generous donation of laptops and other learning technology for Florence Griffith Joyner Elementary in Watts” says Joan Sullivan, CEO of the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools. “This donation is especially appreciated in this moment when equitable access to technology for students is more important than ever. This will make a big difference.”
The public also has an opportunity to help make an impact through “Team Up For Tech” with their own donations. Donations from fans will also go towards improving at home learning and increasing educational access. For more information on how to get involved and donate please visit: www.Lakings.com/teamupfortech.
“While the pandemic has caused obstacles for many people, the LA Kings believe that access to educational tools is critical to students’ success and well-being,” said Jen Pope, VP of Community Relations, Team Services & Hockey Development for the LA Kings.
“We are proud of the impact we continue to make through our more than decade-long partnership with our friends at Wells Fargo and we’re delighted to be able to provide essential technical resources to children in need in our local communities.”
