E Harlem Tutoring Service Donates Computers To Remote Students

EAST HARLEM, NY — An East Harlem-based tutoring service donated hundreds of computers to its students as children are forced to learn remotely due to a mandated shutdown of schools due to an outbreak of the new coronavirus in New York State.

The East Harlem Tutorial Program will continue to offer virtual services continuing through the end of this school year for students enrolled in its tutoring programs and attending its associated charter school network East Harlem Scholars Academies. In order to provide students access to the digital lessons, the network donated 700 laptops and 300 wireless hotspots to students, directors said.

"In order to be proactive and protect the physical health of our students and staff, we’ve decided to continue our remote learning indefinitely," Linara Davidson Greenidge the tutoring program's managing director of external affairs said in a statement. "Members of our community have expressed time and again that they appreciate us putting safety first. Making this decision now helps our families prepare, and aids our educators as they continue to become pioneers in virtual teaching, learning and care."

East Harlem Tutorial Program closed its physical locations as early as March 7 and East Harlem Scholars Academies locations closed on March 13. The schools have been closed since New York Gov. Cuomo enacted the New York on PAUSE — an acronym for policies, assure, uniform, safety and everyone — order on March 20.

In addition to providing technology to its students, the East Harlem Tutorial Program has distributed 7,000 grab-and-go meals at its locations in East Harlem as New Yorkers engage in social distancing. The academic program has also raised $350,000 for an emergency assistance fund to help its families deal with unexpected costs related to the coronavirus, according to directors.

Coronavirus In NYC: Latest Happenings And Guidance