Two Haverhill programs—one helping students attain reading proficiency by third grade and another helping residents move into new careers—this week were awarded renewed financial support from Essex County Community Foundation.
Haverhill Promise will use $25,000 to help pay for the Waterford Upstart Family Literacy Program, aimed at preparing children for kindergarten, while MakeIt Haverhill will use $50,000 to help residents master computer and online skills. The amounts are part of $627,000 awarded by Essex County Community Foundation to 13 nonprofits working to help residents use digital tools needed to navigate everyday life.
“We know that a computer and WiFi are absolute necessities in today’s world,” said Kate Machet, the Foundation’s vice president for systems initiatives and government relations. “And so is the training to know how to use technology safely and effectively. But there are thousands of people right here in Essex County that still don’t have access to these resources.”
The Foundation said in a release this round of grants is designed to expand access to laptops, internet access and digital literacy training for residents across the region looking to obtain living-wage jobs, leverage educational opportunities, connect with critical social services, meet with healthcare providers and stay in touch with family and friends. Grants require recipients to collaborate with others—such as additional nonprofits, for-profit organizations and, in some cases, one or more communities—to develop innovative, cross-sector solutions to the challenges our region faces.
On its website, Haverhill Promise reports Waterford Upstart provides personalized online learning with 15-20 minutes of daily activities, five days a week and a focus on reading, math and science skills. Participating families receive a free laptop computer to keep, a personal coach providing support in the family’s home language and, what it calls, standards-aligned curriculum endorsed for special education.