SRU donates proceeds from computing workshops to local meals program
From left: Alfonso Angelucci, superintendent of the Slippery Rock Area School District, is presented with a $1,000 check for SRASD’s weekend meals program for food insecure students from Jerry Chmielewski, dean of Slippery Rock University’s College of Health, Environment and Science. The funds were made possible with proceeds from SRU’s computing workshops for local grade school students that were taught by faculty from SRU’s Computer Science Department.
Dec. 6, 2018
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - A series of computing workshops conducted by Slippery Rock University's Computer Science Department for local grade school students served a dual purpose: introducing students to computers and helping the community. SRU donated $1,000 from the workshop's registration fees to help fund a weekend meals program at Slippery Rock Area School District for 45 students who are designated as food insecure.
The SRU Advance Institute for STEM Workshops, offered Nov. 3, 10 and 17, included six grade-appropriate sessions each day for students in grades 2-12 to introduce them to computing and how they can use computing technology. The workshops, which covered topics including computer programming, robotics, computer visualization and programming computer hardware, were taught by SRU faculty with help from retired faculty and parents.
"Our weekend food program is now in its fifth year and has helped dozens of students and their families in our school community in that time," said Alfonso Angelucci, superintendent of the Slippery Rock Area School District. "Without generous donations such as the one provided by SRU's Computer Science Department, funding the program would be much more challenging."
More than 70 students from 21 schools in nine districts participated in the workshops. This was the second semester that SRU has offered its Advance Institute for STEM Workshops. Click here for more information about the inaugural program.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu