Why Support Technology Education?

In today's world, 85% of teens regularly engage in some form of electronic personal communication. Technology is a prominent part of students' personal lives. However, there is a distinct lack of relevant, preparatory technology in the classroom. Our schools are suffering from budgetary shortfalls, and technology funding continues to suffer cutbacks. Students are left disaffected with their educational experience and local economies are becoming devoid of qualified graduates.

Without funding for new technology, schools must maintain obsolete computers often years after the equipment should have been retired. 3/4ths of the schools we visit only have a centralized computer lab, with the average student spending just 1-2 hours per week using technology in a curriculum context.

Bob Stevens, former Executive Director of the Vermont Principal's Association, stated that the lack of technology in the classroom can be likened to "educational malpractice." According to Deloitte LLP, only 22% of high school students feel schools have done an "excellent" job of preparing them for college. In order to remain competitive in global markets, our school systems must prepare students with the skills necessary to excel in the global economy.

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan reports that 25% of students fail to graduate on time, and this statistic is rising. Surprisingly, students make the decision to drop out, on average, in middle school. We have the power to engage them before this decision is ever made!

Digital Wish empowers teachers to get the technology resources their students need to learn and grow and provides communities ways to support their local schools!