9:30am | In an effort to save a distinguished but financially-strapped science and technology program at John C. Fremont Elementary School in Long Beach, a local business has pledged to lend a helping hand.
Laserfiche will match any donation made by local businesses or residents to help the school program that lost district funding in 2004 and has struggled to stay alive through the recession, relying solely on PTA donations.
Laserfiche calls the pledge a “challenge grant” that they hope will encourage others to donate. Fremont’s students have scored in the top three percent nationally, and will need $125,000 to keep their science and technology enrichment program alive through the 2010-2011 school year.
“Many of the greatest advancements of the past century have been due to scientific and technological breakthroughs, but without a strong foundation in critical educational disciplines such as math, science and computer science, our children will be unable to maintain this tradition of innovation,” said Susan Tanaka, president of the Fremont PTA. “We are grateful to Laserfiche for investing in the success of our students, our community and our future.”
Based in Long Beach, Laserfiche creates software to help organizations operate documents, records and business management more efficiently. As a company that specializes in technology, Laserfiche has taken particular interest in Fremont’s advanced facilities.
The school’s technology lab boasts 35 computers that teach computer skills to students, allowing them to access curriculum and create PowerPoint projects – not to mention critical familiarity with computers that will serve students well as we continue to move towards a future that relies heavily on technology.
“As a trained scientist and the founder of a successful software company, I shudder to think what will happen to this country’s competitive edge if science and technology enrichment programs like Fremont’s are allowed to die,” said Nien-Ling Wacker, Laserfiche president and CEO. “My colleagues and I urge the Long Beach community to step up and ensure that this new generation of scientists and technologists has a chance to thrive.”
To donate, checks should be written to the Long Beach Education Foundation at 4000 East 4th Street, Long Beach, CA 90814. PayPal donations are also available through fremont-pta.org. Call Fremont Elementary at 562.439.6873 for more information.