YLLC-Hillside is starting the 2012 year off right with some very generous donations to enhance education. Mr. Gerald Grubb, a Metro Nashville Public School teacher, donated three new laptop computers and five new iPads that include at least 125 educational apps for students. What is more –Gerald made this decision at his own leisure without encouragement from others, which demonstrates his passion and dedication to improving education for Tennessee’s students.
This very generous gift isn’t just new technology; it runs far deeper than that. Mr. Grubb intentionally donated these items in order to allow YLLC students to experience the same technology that is accessible to other, more privileged students in the state. Because he wants to give Youth Life’s inner-city students the same opportunity, he felt how better to do that than with brand new, upgraded technology.
Upon seeing the generous gifts, students were terribly excited. “I can’t wait to get on the iPad!” exclaims one student.
“Allowing these students continued access to such advanced technology with the amount of time that Youth Life engages them is vital in closing the achievement gap,” states Mr. Grubb.
So how does this new technology help close the achievement gap? “…these devices engage and captivate students; they are learning without realizing it,” says YLLC-Hillside teacher. “[the donation] will help students master academic skills at all levels –from learning how to read and gaining additional math skills to practicing writing and grammar skills,” says Yolanda Shields, Youth Life’s CEO.
Technology will never go out of style. We will see it progressively be a fundamental part of learning as one can access information with ease, learn through various programs and in different ways and broaden their way of thinking. Familiarity with these devices is key for future success, and the more practice we allow our students to get, the better they will be in classrooms of the future.
Watch our 
video to see Mr. Grubb help students interact with their new iPads and listen to what they like most about them.
If you missed WSMV Channel 4’s coverage on Mr. Grubb’s donation, visit click here to read the follow-up article, “Metro teacher donates iPads to learning center.”
Youth Life Learning Centers 