Webber Elementary School Receives Magic Johnson Foundation Empowerment Grant

Webber Elementary School has been awarded the first Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Center (MJEC) grant in the state, and it represents the first expansion of the Magic Johnson Foundation into rural markets.

Since 2000, the Magic Johnson Foundation (MJF) has been working diligently to help eliminate the digital divide that disproportionately affects minority communities by implementing technology centers in underserved communities. Center sites include Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Harlem, Washington, D.C., Miami, Philadelphia, Oakland, Cleveland and Cincinnati. The scope of program now has expanded to include comprehensive education, job readiness, entrepreneurship, empowering and strengthening families and stabilizing the overall economic development of the communities in which they live.

"We truly are honored to have been selected as a MEJC grant recipient," said Principal Dorothy Ham. "As faculty, staff, administration and community, we feel we're up to the challenge this new opportunity presents to serve as a model site."

Webber's after-school program will be a major beneficiary of the MEJC grant.

As the recipient of a MJEC, Webber will receive the following:

* Up to 25 new top-line computers
* Printers, fax, digital camera, laptop
* Access to all partnerships and Web -based learning applications and courses
* Partnership rights to promote Webber as an affiliate of MJF
* A ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Magic Johnson
* A center that is fully branded with murals and banners.

"The Lower Richland community will benefit greatly through this partnership with the Magic Johnson Foundation," said Dr. Sean Alford, executive director of student support services. "By providing academic, financial, and technological training to community members of all ages, the Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Center will serve as an avenue for enhanced economic development, social welfare, and positive youth development. As representatives of RCSD1, we are excited and honored to be an active participant in this effort. "

It is MJF's intent to create national visibility for the site, draw in repeat and new users, utilize the Magic Johnson branding/partnership to help ensure sustainability and, most importantly, to add value to the existing program to assist users to be able to obtain the knowledge and skill sets to be able to move forward in the information age.