The Wells Fargo Foundation and the Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation recently awarded California State University, Bakersfield, two large gifts totaling $85,750. Funds will be used to purchase software, Chromebooks and hotspots for students accessing their education through virtual learning.
Though students, faculty and staff have adapted with resilience to the virtual environment, a continuing challenge is making sure students have access to the tools they need to excel. With the need for social distancing and limiting the campus population, resources like mathematics software and other programs found only in the computer labs are off limits.
“The swift transition to alternative delivery created challenges for students already struggling with the digital divide in terms of accessing software remotely, connecting from home to the internet, or even having a basic computer,” said Faust Gorham, associate vice president of Information Technology Services and chief information officer. “Thanks to our amazing partners, we were able to address these challenges and deliver software virtually, provide hotspots for connectivity and computers to empower students.”
The Wells Fargo Foundation awarded the university a $45,000 grant, which will assist students with access to the software programs they need to complete their required courses and continue their college education.
“Given these unprecedented times, it is critical that we continue working together to support our communities,” said Wells Fargo Community Relations Senior Consultant Gabriela Mello. “Wells Fargo is proud to support students at CSU Bakersfield by helping them obtain the tools they need to complete their education to become our community’s future leaders.”
The Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation awarded $40,750 to help students who are unable to purchase Chromebooks, hotspots or software.
“The Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation is happy to be able to help out the community in these unusual times, and we are especially pleased that our funding will help make education accessible to all,” the foundation said in a statement.
These funds have allowed CSUB to purchase additional technology and tools students need to continue their college coursework without interruption. They will also enable the university to provide these tools, at no cost, to students who need them.
Students may be facing various challenges at this time, but thanks to the continued contributions of the local Kern County community, CSUB is able to remain committed to student success and its vision for the university.
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