Bridging the Gap is more than just distributing computers. It is a service learning program that aims to achieve five
objectives.

1) Learning is the Focus
This project is designed to offer students five levels of learning opportunities.

A. Students in our Career Technology Education classes experience a real-life technical environment while
refurbishing these computers. They acquire skills in repairing/replacing hardware, setting up software, testing,
quality control, and document writing — the basic technical skills required to get a job in the real world.

B. Our student technology leadership team uses this opportunity to practice their leadership and pedagogical skills.
They are being mentored on leadership skills development through hands-on training in communication, decision
making, project planning and management, teaching, and human resource management.

C. The non-leader student volunteers that are involved in the distribution events get to learn the value of community service. These students are shown that there are needs in their community and that they can be the change towards meeting those needs. This life-changing experience will last a lifetime for these students.

D. In our community there are socio-economically disadvantaged students that are unable to obtain computer skills
at home simply because they cannot afford to buy a home computer. This project provides them access to technology they wouldn't otherwise have.

E. Parents and students receiving these computers are offered training in how to set up their computer and how
to use the applications installed on their computer.

2) Equity is the Driver
This program is intended for students that do not have access to a computer in their home. It was implemented
to help provide equal access to technology for all Kent School District students and their families.

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