STUDENT TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGE PROGRAM

There is a digital divide in our world today. This divide is the increasing information – technology gap between communities with technology and those without. Here in the U.S. for instance, the computer penetration rate is 81% - opposed to Jamaica with a 6% rate.

From our privileged position, we can see that computers and the Internet are changing our world faster than any invention in history. They are redefining the way we communicate, do business, educate, organize and entertain ourselves.  With accessible technology our friends in developing communities can compete in and contribute to the 21st century.

So a group students on the for-front of social justice / change created a student organization called S.T.E.P. – Student Technology Exchange Program.

CURRENT MISSION STATEMENT – TO WORK FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE BY EQUIPPING THE UNDER-SERVED WITH THE TOOLS FOR SUCCESS IN THE 21ST CENTURY

How is this happening?
Strategically placing computers in community access points

Current technology exchanges include:
Duncan’s All-Age School in Jamaica and Linda Vista

Jamaica Immersion Trip:
January 12-21, 2010

The future:
Collaborations with San Diego Juvenile Hall and Urban Corps

Recycling :
Currently University of San Diego’s IT department has committed its used computers to be recycled through STEP.

Giving:
Currently 100% of donations go directly to the acquisition of technology. This has been made possible through the unyielding support of University of San Diego and Community Service -Learning providing for all operational needs.

For giving or additional information please contact either:
Zach Flati at (949) 981-279, zflati-11@sandiego.edu. Jeremy Whelan at (516) 658-4540, jeremywhelan@gmail.com. Lindsey Brown at (619) 260-4206, lbrown-11@sandiego.edu.