Johnjay & Rich Helping Foster Kids Get Ahead

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The Johnjay and Rich #LoveUp Foundation and the Arizona Department of Child Safety surprised a group of graduating eighth-grade foster kids with new Chromebook laptop computers through a new pilot program that aims to put technology in the hands of kids in Arizona’s foster care system. With a grant from the Scottsdale Active 20-30 Club, #LoveUp purchased $22,000 worth of technology for the DCS pilot program. The 100 laptops will be distributed this summer to foster children who have been nominated by their DCS case managers. The children who receive the laptops will be trained on how to use them. Also, the children will receive Internet Safety training provided by the Phoenix Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children detectives.

“The #LoveUp Foundation is proud to continue our partnership with Arizona Department of Child Safety,” said foundation founder Johnjay Van Es. “Foster children deserve to have the same advantages as other kids. If we can help make this happen, we are serving our mission to the best of our abilities.”

Children in foster care often struggle in school because they lack the tools necessary to succeed. Nationally, fewer than 70 percent of foster youth graduate from high school. And those that do graduate often struggle to complete college.

#LoveUp co-founder Rich Berra said, “This program is groundbreaking. Putting technology and training into the hands of these kids will pave the way for their education and their futures.”

“Now more than ever, technology is vital to educational success; it’s the game-changer for students,” said DCS Director Greg McKay. “We hope this program will help shrink the achievement gap for children in foster care.”

The syndicated Johnjay & Rich Show airs Monday through Friday from 5 to 10 a.m. MT

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