United Way NCA’s ‘Young Philanthropists’ Donate 18 Amazon Kindles to Title 1 Students At Brookland Middle School

As Dylan unzipped a donated backpack from United Way NCA’s Young Philanthropists, he almost couldn’t believe his eyes. An Amazon Kindle, tucked inside the sleeve of his newly donated backpack, stopped this Brookland Middle School student in his tracks as he asked quietly to the room “Is this all for me?”

For the last two months the Young Philanthropists, a United Way NCA giving society, has fundraised to bring Amazon Kindles to the students at Brookland Middle School. With many households lacking the means to buy books, the Kindles serve as an accessible means for students to read, study and spark their curiosity for literature.

School supplies are certainly something most of us take for granted, but for under-privileged youth in Title 1 schools across the National Capital area, school supplies are often a luxury. Limited access to essentials like pencils, notebooks, and even backpacks can make education feel out of reach for students who don’t have enough.

The 18 Kindle Fire donated by the Young Philanthropists, allows access to reading for students at Brookland Middle School. It affords students the opportunity to engage and develop reading skills in a different light – one made easier and more accessible through technology.

As part of our Education Commitment to prepare students in targeted, at-risk middle schools to transition successfully to high school and perform at grade level, the Kindle and backpack distribution is one more resource as part of our larger Community Schools initiative.  United Way NCA partners with 13 select schools in the regions we serve to focus not just at arming students with the proper tools for success, but providing them with enriched education opportunities like STEM, social-emotional learning, and after school programs.

To learn more about our Community Schools or to learn about Young Philanthropists, please visit UnitedWayNCA.org.