On Friday, October 27, 2023, the first roll out of over 300 iPads, courtesy of Project FELICE, were distributed to administration, students and graduate assistants. Project FELICE stands for “Fostering Equity in Learning Through Inclusion, Connectivity, and Engagement” Felician University is a Hispanic and Minority-serving educational institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 39% Hispanic and 59% minority. Felician is one of only 12 minority-serving institutions of higher education to receive this sought after grant. This U.S. Department of Commerce grant is part of the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program and the Biden Administration’s Internet for All initiative.
Apple Education Specialists provided a technical hands-on overview that explored the built-in tools that help deliver content and support student learning. Funding from this grant aims to expand technology and reliable high-speed internet access across the nation. Through this grant funded venture, students and faculty alike have the unique opportunity to be at the forefront of what digital learning has to offer. Giving students and faculty equal access to technology ensures that all students and educators have the same opportunities and resources when it comes to using digital tools and devices for learning and teaching purposes.
Ruby Martinez, a Felician Graduate Assistant and AskFelician.com editor remarked “Equal access to technology is so important and undervalued. Project FELICE’s initiative gives us the educational equity students deserve. Regardless of their socioeconomic background, the students of Felician have opportunities to learn and succeed in the digital age. The training session was informative and easy to follow.” Another student and mentor in the GRIT program, Talin Araian, noted “I feel enthused to be a part of this opportunity! To be supported as a student and mentor through access to technology will make all the difference for our mentorship responsibilities.”
The remaining iPads are set to be distributed on Friday, November 17, 2023 to eligible students. Here is to the new age of learning and educational equity!
