Taste of Columbus Funds Update Technology for the PVLA

One of the reasons why we were so excited to get Taste of Columbus money was to be able to use the funds to update the technology here at the PVLA.

Now, don’t get us wrong: we have some great technology in our classrooms. When CCC remodeled the space, they made sure we had top-of-the-line screens and desktops so that educational information could be displayed to students.

And those systems are amazing!

 However, we also needed some technology that was a bit more personal. In particular, laptops.

The laptops that the PVLA had were acquired several years ago using grant funds. They had been refurbished and were mainly used to keep students connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. While they served their purpose at the time, they were starting to show their age.

In fact, several of them had to be recycled because they died and couldn’t be brought back to life.

In addition, some of the sites and apps that we access on laptops have also been updated, and the old computers didn’t have what was needed to keep up with the changes.

Students Get the Most Out of Technology

With Taste of Columbus funds, the PVLA was able top purchase six new laptops for students—and they are fancy! They will allow students to access everything they need to be successful in their education.

These computers can be used by any and all students who come into our space. They can’t be checked out, but they can be used on-site. Whether an individual needs to study for the citizenship test, wants to get some extra ESL practice by watching videos or playing games, or needs to take a test, these new laptops can do it all.

These computers can (and more than likely will) be used when it comes to one-on-one employability skills. Students will have the opportunity to get online to search and apply for jobs that will support them and their families.

One of our new laptops is currently being used in the Conversational Spanish class to enhance lessons.

Technological Success

Here at the PVLA, we are proud and excited to be able to offer our students up-to-date technology to aid in their learning. Our classrooms may have some great technology, but being able to supplement that with laptops that offer a more personal experience can’t be beat.

We wouldn’t have been able to do this without the funds from Taste of Columbus, and we’re so honored and proud to know that the people of Columbus supported us in our endeavors. You’ve made a difference in students’ lives, and we can’t thank you enough.

The Season of Thanks

It’s that time of year when people count their blessings. They take a look at their life and give thanks for the events and people who have had a big impact.

Here that the PVLA, we have so much to be thankful for. From a new director to being able to participate in Taste of Columbus, 2023 had a lot going on. Through it all, we still did what we had to to ensure that students were being taken care of and being empowered to reach their educational goals.

 

Individuals Who Make it Happen

One of the biggest things we are thankful here at the PVLA are the donors who either give their time or resources to help students. From Snack Sponsors to volunteer tutors to volunteer instructors, individuals giving what they can makes a huge impact on the lives of students.

It may not seem like a lot for students to have a cup of coffee or grab a small treat, but it means the world to them. They are working hard to improve their lives (and the lives of their families), so being able to take a break and refuel is essential.

Having instructors and tutors who freely give their time to make sure students understand a particular topic or have information to learn a new one is life-changing—literally. The topics they are learning in a class or one-on-one lessons could be exactly what they need to pass a test or apply for a better job. Without individuals willing to help out, students wouldn’t be filled with the knowledge they need to improve their lives.

 

Partnerships with the Community

Individuals play a huge role in supporting students, but we couldn’t do much without the community. Our partnership with CCC Adult Education provides the technology and classroom space, as well as the instructors and materials, that keep our students learning with the most up-to-date information.

The United Way allocates the vast majority of funding that ensures we can pay our high-quality instructors and obtain materials and technology for the classrooms.

Our newest partnership with Columbus Public Schools to offer Family Learning allows us to reach a whole new set of students and provide them with language skills that will help them and their families be successful in life.

The Family Learning classes, as well as our Integration Class, has also opened up partnerships with community members to speak directly to students about the services they have to offer. There are so many amazing individuals who have volunteered their time to talk about their jobs and their passions to ensure that our students know more about the Columbus community.

There are also the partnerships with manufacturers here in town. These companies go out of their way to schedule Outreach Classes to ensure their employees have the skills that can help them be successful at work and beyond. Whether they are learning English or conversational Spanish, these businesses are breaking down barriers and making all of their employees feel valued inside the company walls and in the larger community.

 

More to Come

This year has been incredibly busy with the development of new classes and partnerships and maintaining classes that have been in existence for a long time. The PVLA has been around since the 1980s, and we continue to thrive and survive because of the support of individuals and members of the community.

We are so thankful for our donors, whether they give of their time or money. This year may be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean we’re done. There are still so many ways for you to support the PVLA and its mission, and there’s a whole new year to get involved and see what we have planned for our students.

Thank You!

Participating in Community Events

In addition to helping students, one of the most enjoyable things we get to do at the PVLA is participate in community events. This past weekend, we had a booth at the Back 2 School Bash presented by Centro Hispano and Platte County T4C—and we had a blast being there.

The whole premise of the event is to ensure that students have backpacks and the supplies they need for a successful school year. There’s also food and fun, as well as music and networking. From bounce houses to an extra-large “sprinkler” for kids to cool down, it was an afternoon full of excitement.

Having a booth at this event really made our day. Being able to interact with so many different members of the community and let them know what we have to offer was astounding. The day may have been hot, but by the time the event was over, there was a sense of pride and a smile that stretched from ear to ear.

Whether you’re a vendor or a participant, getting out and getting involved with the community is an incredibly rewarding experience. We do it as often as we can at the PVLA, and we hope to see all of you at some of these events.