On Friday, November 17, 2023, the last roll out of over 300 iPads, courtesy of Project FELICE, were distributed to eligible students. Ray’s Place on the Rutherford campus was buzzing with excitement as students waited to unwrap their iPads and accessories.
(From left to right) Doctoral students Debbie Padilla, Martin Klein, Nadège Napoleon, Liz Belford, Shameka Griffin, Crystal Nieves, Joycie Bolona, Ruby Martinez and Cristian Morillo pose for a photo with Felician’s Golden Falcon!
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. 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.
Similarly to the distribution on October 27th, Apple Education Specialists provided a technical hands-on overview that explored the built-in tools that help deliver content and support student learning. However, there was the addition to this distribution and training as our graduate students and graduate assistants helped the Apple Education Specialists show the remaining recipients how amazing iPad learning can be. Students had strong feelings about being a part of this unique opportunity courtesy of Project FELICE. Here is what they had to say:
“This is insane. Things like this don’t normally happen for people like me. Having this iPad is going to change the way I take notes and study!”
“This gives me hope because any person no matter who they are, can go anywhere and do anything because we now have access to this technology. I have autism and with this device, I have the accessibility to follow my dream to be a journalist. This grant gives young people hope. I feel like I am a part of history today. This is truly incredible. I wont take this device for granted…. thank you Project FELICE. Thank you so much.”
“It’s like Christmas. I was so behind in classes because I don’t have a laptop or tablet to access BrightSpace at home. Trying to read off of my phone was so difficult and I don’t end up doing my homework because of it. I won’t be behind in classes anymore…. its….. amazing. Thank you.”
We are all excited to see the improvements that were made possible by Project FELICE’s mission. Happy exploring on your new devices, everyone.
GO GOLDEN FALCONS!