200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #733
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5162
Fax: (714) 765-5164
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
DATE: FEBRUARY 7, 2023
FROM: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
SUBJECT: ANAHEIM TECH SCHOLARS PROGRAM
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): NO ITEM # 18
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: NO
REQUESTED ACTION:
That the City Council, by Motion, establish the Anaheim Tech Scholars Program (Program) to provide eligible high school students with a free laptop computer and internet access; and authorize the City Manager, or designees, to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the Program.
DISCUSSION:
At the Council meeting on January 24, 2023, Council Member Leon requested an agenda item to discuss the Anaheim Tech Scholars Program and provide direction to staff on reestablishing this program. The Tech Scholars Program is based on a previous program that existed from 2006 to 2010 here in the City of Anaheim that aimed to bridge the digital divide and prepare some of Anaheim’s most deserving students with the technology necessary to further excel in their academic pursuits. Council Member Leon has expressed an interest in reviving this competitive program for the benefit of Anaheim’s high school students.
The City of Anaheim held the first Tech Scholars Program in 2006. The scholarship provided local high school students with free laptops and up to two years of complimentary Wi-Fi service. Students who resided in Anaheim were eligible to apply and winners were chosen based on merit and need. The last Tech Scholars Program was held in 2010 and was funded by local sponsors.
The reestablishment of this program is intended to help bridge the gap of digital inequities that continues to persist in many underrepresented communities within our City following the COVID-19 pandemic. If City Council approves the Anaheim Tech Scholars Program, city staff will move forward with finalizing the Program’s components including:
Timeline
Eligibility
Application Process
Program Size
Anaheim Tech Scholars Program
February 7, 2023
Outreach
Sponsorships/Partners
Award Ceremony
If approved, staff anticipates that the Program could open applications at the beginning of the next school year (fall 2023) and conclude with an award ceremony at the end of 2023.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
The Anaheim Tech Scholars Program is intended to be primarily funded by donations from local businesses and donors through the Anaheim Community Foundation (ACF), which already has an account established for this program.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg Garcia
Assistant City Manager