Twenty computers are now in the hands of Las Cruces Public Schools graduates who might not otherwise have the resources to purchase one, thanks to a generous donation. Catholic Charities of Southern New Mexico made the gift possible, with a wish that the technology be put into the hands of McKinney-Vento students in the district.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law created to support the enrollment and education of homeless students. The McKinney-Vento Project Link at LCPS is active in the community to identify and provide services to these students.
According to Ray Banegas, federal programs coordinator at LCPS, the computers will assist graduates in next-step planning.
“These students are the ones who want to go to college, or pursue some kind of post-secondary education,” said Banegas. “We are so fortunate for groups like Catholic Charities who make an investment in these students’ lives.”
Catholic Charities was founded in 2004 in Las Cruces to provide social, legal, and economic assistance to those in need in southern New Mexico, regardless of their faith, belief, gender, ethnicity, immigration status or cultural background.
“We are so pleased to partner with LCPS to support our community’s homeless students,” said Ken Ferrone, executive director of Catholic Charities of Southern New Mexico. “With this donation, we let graduates know we support their pursuit of a college degree or certificate, and that we admire their resilience and determination as they begin their academic and professional careers.”
Project Link at LCPS has been instrumental in providing school enrollment assistance to students who experience homelessness or near homelessness. In the last school year, the program serviced 1,382 students. The program also provides basic school supplies, hygiene products and clothing. For more information on the McKinney-Vento Project Link at LCPS, click here.
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