United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc.
serving Beaufort and Jasper Counties
2266 Boundary St., P.O. Box 202, Beaufort, SC 29901-0202; 843.982.3040 (Beaufort)
1538 Fording Island Road, Suite 107 C, Bluffton, SC 29910; 843.837.2000 (Hilton Head/Bluffton)
306 Third Ave. P.O. Box 1420, Ridgeland, SC 29936; 843.645.6500 (Ridgeland)

www.uwlowcountry.org

Our Mission: Mobilizing Resources to Meet Human Needs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 8, 2011
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Contact: Jill Briggs, Executive Vice President

843.837.2000, ext. 222

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Touted by education gurus for decades, virtual learning is now available in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island for students of low-income families courtesy of the Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC). Entrance into this program is difficult said Chairman of NOC, Narendra Sharma. "The need for what we offer is far greater than what we can support. There are many students who apply to be a part of this, but are unfortunately turned away - we just don't have enough computers."

In the summer of 2011, 220 students applied for the extra help, but only 43 were admitted due to lack of resources. For those grade school students who do receive extra help, they can expect to see their reading and math test scores rise 45 percent by the end of the semester.

There is an enormous desire for this program to continue in Beaufort County said Principal of Hilton Head Island Elementary School, Jill McAden. "The NOC has been an integral partner with our school as we work diligently to ensure that each child meets academic success. NOC has an afterschool tutoring program to include the equipped computer lab, providing a safe and comfortable place for children to blossom academically ... I applaud Dr. Sharma and his dedicated volunteers for their commitment to student achievement."

Teamwork with the schools is very important said Sharma. "We can track the progress of the students through their tests at school and learn of the areas in their studies that need attention. By better targeting the need, the end result is better for the students, family and community."

The United Way of the Lowcountry Annual Community Campaign is raising money for numerous nonprofits including the Neighborhood Outreach Connection.

"I am sure you have heard the saying about teaching man to fish versus giving him a fish", said Sharma. "That's what we are trying to do here." Improving education will correlate to an overall improved economic development in the area, he notes.   "Companies are going to go where the best workforce is." 
 

United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. today reports that $2,001,316 has been contributed to fund 71.5% of the programs, partnerships and services required by Beaufort and Jasper residents.

United Way of the Lowcountry campaign contributions fund partnerships and collaborations with 32 agencies and 42 programs in Beaufort and Jasper counties that focus on one or more priorities to achieve better HEALTH, EDUCATION, SHELTER, NUTRITION and INCOME for local residents and workers.

Chairing the 2011 United Way of the Lowcountry Community Campaign are Peter Post for the Beaufort area; Phyllis Doyle for Bluffton/Jasper County; and Mike Petrilli for Hilton Head Island. Bonnie Bennett is Vice Chair for the Jasper County campaign.
 
To contribute, to volunteer or for more information, call 843-982-3040 in Beaufort, 843-837-2000 in Bluffton/Hilton Head and 843-645-6500 in Jasper County.

United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. — LIVE UNITED