BY ROBIN MIMNA

In a powerful show of community collaboration, Ivy Hawn Charter School in Lake Helen recently transferred more than $30,000 worth of technology equipment to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties — a move designed to help bridge the digital divide for local youth who often lack access to the tools they need to thrive in a tech-driven world.

This transfer includes 160 laptop computers, 53 overhead projectors, 25 computer monitors, seven computer storage carts, four desktop printers, one desktop tower computer, a case of soft-sided laptop bags, and other accessories. 

The original idea to repurpose the older yet still functional equipment came from Ivy Hawn’s Maintenance Director, Todd Preston.

“We had to get all the heads together and make this happen,” Preston said, describing the collaboration that unfolded among school staff, volunteers and local organizations.

That effort resulted in the March 31 transfer event, where Boys & Girls Club staff — including area directors Chance McElveen and Michael Medford — were joined by volunteer Charles Mazzula to help load and transport the gear. 

Also on hand were Ivy Hawn Principal Danielle Suhr and Lake Helen Mayor Vernon Burton, who also serves as vice president of government relations on the club’s executive committee. 

“This technology transfer reflects the kind of strong community partnerships that make Lake Helen so special,” Burton said. “When local schools and nonprofits work together, we can ensure our youth have the tools they need to dream big and succeed.”

The transfer comes at a crucial time. Under the leadership of its new CEO, Dr. Camesha Whittaker-Samuel, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler have made digital literacy a cornerstone of their mission. Since taking the helm in early 2025, Whittaker-Samuel has made it clear that preparing young people for the rapidly evolving workforce — particularly in technology — is a top priority.

“This technology transfer is a meaningful step forward,” Whittaker-Samuel said. “It supports our initiative to provide a one-to-one tech experience for kids. These tools will strengthen opportunities for character development and leadership growth. Digital literacy is a powerful foundation — and while these computers won’t meet every need, they represent a significant move in the right direction.”

She added, “Strategic allotment not only strengthens partnerships between organizations, but also helps the community learn to consume more responsibly and appreciate the true value of these devices.”

Bridging the digital divide

The new resource underscores an ongoing struggle facing many communities: the digital divide. While 87 percent of U.S. households have access to at least one internet-capable device and 73 percent have internet access, millions of students — especially those from marginalized or low-income backgrounds — still lack reliable access to high-speed broadband or personal computers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2024.

According to The Education Trust, a nonprofit research group, 50 percent of low-income families and 42 percent of families of color do not have the necessary technology for online education. 

The COVID-19 pandemic amplified these inequities, with students in underfunded districts struggling to complete assignments due to lack of access.

In Volusia County, the school district has made strides toward equity with a one-to-one device policy. Students in third through 12th grade are issued laptops, while younger students receive iPads for classroom use. However, not all after-school programs or community-based organizations have access to the same level of tech — making contributions like Ivy Hawn’s all the more impactful.

For Principal Suhr, the transfer reflects a core value of Ivy Hawn. 

“We are proud to support our local Boys & Girls Clubs through this transfer,” Suhr said. “It’s important that students — no matter where they learn — have access to tools that allow them to explore, create and grow. We’re excited to see this technology continue making a difference in the lives of young people.”

Eyes on the future

Dr. Whittaker-Samuel’s long-term vision for the Boys & Girls Clubs includes implementing digital literacy programs, coding workshops, and workforce-readiness training. Her goal is to ensure that every child — regardless of background — has access to the skills and tools needed to succeed in the modern economy.

“This is more than a transfer of equipment — it’s a transfer of opportunity,” Whittaker-Samuel said. “We are grateful to Principal Suhr, the Ivy Hawn team, and Mayor Burton for their support in helping us build the foundation for 21st-century learning at the club level. This is just the beginning.”