Moody Foundation Awards $1.5 Million Grant to Comp-U-Dopt

GALVESTON, Texas – Sept. 11, 2019 – The Moody Foundation has awarded a $1.5 million grant to Comp-U-Dopt to provide computers to underserved youth in Galveston over the next five years. This is the Foundation’s second gift to the nonprofit since the launch of the Generation Moody Education Initiative in 2018, ensuring that 100% of Galveston Island students will have access to a computer at home.

As of 2016 the U.S. Census Bureau reported that nearly 20% of Galveston residents lacked access to a computer at home, which includes more than 1,000 families with children. By 2020, 75% of all U.S. jobs will require technological skills beyond word processing yet fewer than half of U.S. high schools teach computer science. The need for high-quality enrichment and technology training in low-income communities is clear.

“Providing our students access and exposure to technology puts the tools for discovery in their own hands, giving them the chance to see a new path forward while extending their learning beyond the classroom,” said Ross Moody, trustee of the Moody Foundation and chairman and CEO of National Western Life Group. “To provide equitable opportunities for all youth and to ensure our country has a productive workforce, we must invest in initiatives that develop homegrown talent and provide all students – regardless of their economic situation – with the opportunity to succeed.”

This partnership strives to remove technological barriers to success through the Comp-U-Dopt Tech Pantry, essentially solving digital access for Galveston Island families.

“The quality grantmaking and committed community partnership led by the Moody Foundation is without a doubt changing the landscape of education on Galveston Island,” said Megan Steckly, CEO of Comp-U-Dopt. “During the 2018/2019 school year, we delivered programming in partnership with 11 schools serving over 830 Galveston youth – more than 2.5 times the impact of any of our previous years. Our shared role is to follow through on our commitment to quality program execution that is responsive and makes meaningful and positive impact for the communities we serve.”

The Moody Foundation’s gift goes beyond just giving students access to computers. It also makes it possible for Comp-U-Dopt to deliver after-school enrichment programs to 100% of schools across the island.

“Schools and teachers can now leverage technology in school to enhance and amplify learning for their students,” said Angela Blair, education director of the Moody Foundation. “Students needing extra time with curriculum can more effectively take learning home. Education becomes dynamic, social barriers are reduced and technical literacy skills are enhanced.”

 Since Comp-U-Dopt’s founding in 2007, they have distributed over 15,000 computers, served over 16,500 students and delivered more than 75,000 hours of technology education. Annually they reach approximately 3,000 young people in Galveston and Houston through their programs.

Images available here: http://bit.ly/2klvaX1

About the Moody Foundation

The Moody Foundation was established by W.L. Moody, Jr. and Libbie Shearn Moody in 1942 to share their good fortune and make a difference in the lives of the people of Texas. Since then, the Foundation has made more than $1.6 billion in grants throughout the state to organizations that have educated, healed, nurtured and inspired generations of Texans. The Moody Foundation continues with a board of three trustees: Frances Moody-Dahlberg, Ross Moody and Elizabeth Moody. Learn more at MoodyF.org and follow the Foundation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

About Comp-U-Dopt

Founded in 2007, Comp-U-Dopt is a Houston-based nonprofit organization with a mission to provide technology access and education to underserved youth. During 2018, Comp-U-Dopt distributed over 2,690 refurbished computers and provided technology education and training to more than 3,094 economically disadvantaged students. Comp-U-Dopt relies on the support of individuals, community collaborations, foundations and corporate partners, which provide volunteers, in-kind computer hardware contributions and philanthropic support. For more information go to CompUDopt.org.

Contact:

Kami Lee representing Moody Foundation
(512) 344-2032
[email protected]

Megan Steckly, CEO, Comp-U-Dopt
(713) 726-2330
[email protected]

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