Federal Way Public Schools has selected Family Life Community Church as a pilot site to host a computer lab to connect scholars with access to technology in the community, while providing additional support like mentoring to be successful in school and life.

The application opportunity was posted on the district website, and the selection was made in spring 2018.

Schools can’t do it alone, and while FWPS provided and installed the repurposed devices, Family Life agreed to house the computer lab at the church. The repurposed machines no longer meet the current district standards for day-to-day classroom use, however function great for general learning activities.

“Community members are vital partners in the education of our scholars,” said Dr. Tammy Campbell, FWPS superintendent, in a district press release. “This partnership helps us achieve our vision where every scholar feels known, cared about, supported and equipped with the skills and knowledge to persist to graduation.”

Diane Larson, pastor at Family Life Community Church said, “We are committed to doing our part to support scholars of all ages in leadership and life. Mentoring, tutoring, and connecting with these scholars in a way that affirms their value is key. It is our top priority.”

Each computer has bookmarked online learning programs in the areas of literacy, math, computer science, art, music, and science for a total of 20 options for kindergarten through 12th grade scholars. FWPS has partnered with King County Libraries to provide online accounts to all current students, and these accounts are accessible as well.

The computer lab is located at Family Life Community Church at 1925 S. 341st Place, Federal Way. Hours (2018-19) for the computer lab start the week of Sept. 10 as follows:

• Monday and Thursday, 3–5 p.m. the computer lab is open to kindergarten through 12th grade scholars. They must be accompanied and supervised by a family member or parent.

• Tuesday, 3–5 p.m. the lab is open for kindergarten through fifth grade scholars. Family Life will provide supervision, tutoring and mentoring.

• Wednesdays, 3–5 p.m. the lab is open for sixth through 12th grade scholars. Family Life will provide supervision, tutoring and mentoring.

Family Life volunteer tutors are primarily educators who will provide some academic tutoring, in addition to mentoring with a focus on leadership success strategies and guidance on internet safety.

This effort is in direct support of strategic plan goal four, content area competence, and goal five, persistence to graduation. It’s also in direct support of strategic plan pillar two, which includes strong relationships with families and the community.

For more information, visit www.fwps.org.