The old adage, “It takes a village to raise a child,” is the main mantra at The Pacific Technology Foundation, which supports, promotes, and implements technological advancements in Hawaii’s public schools. It is a non-profit organization which implores educational, technological, and community leaders to encourage and teach Hawaii’s youth about the benefits and importance of technology in everyday life.

Currently, The Pacific Technology Foundation offers five programs that aim to assist public schools with their technology education goals. The organization focuses mainly on schools in low-income areas and financially disadvantaged or “at risk” children, from grade levels K-12.

This organization currently provides public school students opportunities to learn and enhance their technological understanding, scholarships, and computers for those in “at risk” situations. Additionally, programs such as Adopt-a-School and Technology Campus Tours implore private businesses to collaboratively develop programs in conjunction with educators that are designed to inspire and engage interest in science and technology.

The Technology Campus Tour program is an informal on-campus technology fair, featuring exhibits and presentations of technological advancements within top local, national and international business tiers and offer a chance for students, educators, and technological leaders to openly participate, share and discuss ideas about technology.

The tours will also demonstrate the practical applications of technology within a wide range subjects, including science, math, business, communications, humanities and the arts. Tours can be arranged as an all-day event during regular school hours or as an after-school activity, depending on the involvement of students.

These tours not only allow students to explore technological innovations, but will also provide technology companies an opportunity to give back to their community. Programs such as these are vital components in fostering Hawaii’s disadvantaged youth to attain their educational and career goals with the help of the community as a whole.

For more information about these programs offered, or if you would like to contribute to The Pacific Technology Foundation, please visit  www.pacifictechnologyfoundation.org.