The Carbon County Community Foundation recently awarded more than $15,000 in grants through its Computer Career Accelerator Fund to support technology education and career exploration opportunities for K-12 students throughout the region.

Grants were awarded to Palmerton Area Library, Slingshot Esports and Palmerton Area School District.

Each organization will use the funding to strengthen programs that introduce students to computer science, technology, cybersecurity and related career fields through hands-on learning experiences and technology upgrades.

The Computer Career Accelerator Fund supports organizations that provide career awareness and skills development in computer and information technology fields. Beyond funding individual programs, the foundation’s long-term vision is to build a connected network of organizations that work together to introduce students to technology careers while providing opportunities for continued learning as their interests and skills develop.

Slingshot Esports will use its grant to expand its Digital Game Development & Technology Career Exploration program by opening a new location at St. Peter’s Community Resource Center in Lehighton.

The expansion will bring the program closer to Carbon County families, reducing travel barriers and giving local students hands-on experience in video game design while exploring careers in programming, computer science and the technology industry.

Palmerton Area Library will use its grant to purchase new laptops and other technology equipment to enhance its programming, particularly its annual Summer Reading program. The new technology will support next summer’s “Mysteries Await at Your Library” theme by giving students more opportunities to participate in interactive, technology-based learning experiences.

Palmerton Area School District will use its grant to continue strengthening its Computer Science and Cybersecurity program by supporting classroom instruction, professional development for teachers, student participation in competitions and organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America, and opportunities for students to enroll in Advanced Placement computer science courses and take AP exams. The funding helps expand access to high-quality computer science education while preparing students for future education and careers in technology.

“Technology careers continue to grow and evolve, creating incredible opportunities for today’s students,” said Sharon Alexander, president of the Carbon County Community Foundation. “Our goal is not simply to fund individual programs, but to help build a network of organizations that work together to inspire students, develop their skills, and create pathways into technology careers. By investing in these three local organizations and encouraging collaboration among them, we’re helping lay the foundation for a stronger technology ecosystem that benefits students throughout Carbon County.”

As part of the initiative, the foundation is encouraging the three organizations to collaborate by sharing expertise, developing mentorship opportunities, and creating pathways that allow students to progress from introductory experiences to more advanced learning. The foundation believes this collaborative approach will create stronger, more sustainable opportunities than any one organization could accomplish alone.

Established in 2022 through the generosity of Gary Hayward of Albrightsville, the Computer Career Accelerator Fund was created to help introduce more students to careers in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and related fields. The fund supports organizations that provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences while helping build a stronger pipeline of future technology professionals in Carbon County.

To learn more about the Computer Career Accelerator Fund or to make a donation, visit the Carbon County Community Foundation website at www.cccfoundpa.org/computercareer-fund/