PCs for People Provides Digital Literacy and Device Access through a Union Pacific Grant

PCs for People has been awarded a $20,000 Union Pacific Railroad Community Ties Giving Program grant to support the nonprofit’s mission to provide digital literacy and device access to low-income individuals and families. Awarded to locations in St. Paul, MN, and Cook County, IL, the grant funds will be used to bridge the digital divide through computer access, internet connectivity, and digital literacy support at the organization’s most tenured (St. Paul) and newest (Cook County) locations.

“Education and job skills training suffer when a community is not connected to the digital world and we are thrilled to have Union Pacific’s support for our efforts to end the digital divide,” said Chris Cairo, Managing Director of PCs for People, St. Paul. “These funds will support our work to ensure that every individual and family has access to the resources they need to succeed.”

Union Pacific’s Community Ties Giving Program provides small- and medium-sized grants that align with the railroad’s priority cause areas in safety, workforce development and community spaces.

“Union Pacific proudly supports organizations that improve the quality of life where our employees live and work,” said Scott Moore, senior vice president-Corporate Relations, chief administrative officer and Union Pacific Foundation President. “Investing in high-quality nonprofit programs puts our communities in a position for future growth and prosperity.”

Grant-Funded Event in Bloomington, MN
The first community event to be funded by the Union Pacific grant will take place in Bloomington, MN, on October 20, 2021, in partnership with Metro South Adult Basic Education (MSABE). PCs for People will distribute 150 Chromebooks to low-income adults to support education and job skills training.
“Metro South Adult Basic Education greatly appreciates and values our collaboration with PCs for People, which gives students access to online enrichment opportunities,” said Kellie McGowan, director of MSABE. “Having technology outside of school opens doors for our students’ educations, careers, and civic engagement.”

EVENT DETAILS:
Metro South Adult Basic Education Distribution Event
October 20, 2021, 12:30–5:30 p.m.
2575 W 88th St, Bloomington, MN 55431

*Please note this distribution event is only for pre-registered MSABE students*