Lynwood – Washington Elementary School students have a whole new excitement for after-school learning following the Nov. 29 unveiling of a $40,000 computer lab donated by International Game Technology (IGT).

Washington Elementary was chosen for this donation by IGT’s After School Advantage (ASA) Program due to its robust after-school assistance for students. The school hosts about 90 students every day, helping students who might not have computers at home with homework, projects and tutoring sessions.

“To ensure our students are prepared for college and careers, they need access to the latest technology and learning resources early on in their education,” LUSD Superintendent Paul Gothold said. “I would like to thank IGT for donating such a tremendous facility to our Washington Elementary students.”

Stocked with 40 Chromebooks, 20 iPads, coding system programs, printers, a flat-screen television and movable furniture, the lab is the first donated by IGT that features robotic equipment, such as the Dash and Dot Wonder Pack, Osmo Wonder Kit, Littlebits Gizmo & Gadgets and a Sphero programmable robot.

“As a former Washington Elementary student, it prides me to see such a wonderful school receive this amazing computer lab,” LUSD Board President Alma-Delia Renteria said. “It is so important for our students to have access to top-notch computers and software programs, especially as more and more occupations now require very specific technological expertise.”

IGT’s Senior Vice President Scott Gunn and California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon lauded Washington Elementary for its constant support of students’ academic endeavors.

“Today’s students must be tech savvy to compete for jobs in the global economy,” Rendon said. “I’m glad Lynwood Unified, Washington Elementary and IGT were able to collaborate to create such an amazing resource for our students to succeed now and for years to come.”

IGT strives to close the digital divide for children who do not have access to computers in today’s increasingly digital society. IGT selects schools that have great after-school programs, but may not have all the resources students need.

“IGT is providing students with access to a powerful combination of educational resources and cutting-edge technology, opening doors to a vast range of opportunities and a promising future,” Gunn said. “IGT is proud to support Washington Elementary School and the children of Lynwood through our ASA Program.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

112916_LUSD_LAB1: Washington Elementary students pose before they program their Dash robots to race each other during the grand opening of the school’s new computer lab, donated by International Game Technology’s After School Advantage Program.

112916_LUSD_LAB2: International Game Technology’s (IGT) Senior Vice President Scott Gunn (center) and California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (right) inspect Washington Elementary students’ projects created with new Chromebooks during the grand opening of the school’s new computer lab, donated by IGT’s After School Advantage Program.