Article by Liam Carstens

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BBF recently donated 110 Apple iPads and 45 Apple iPhones, along with cases and chargers to Community Forge in Pittsburgh, PA. Community Forge provides technical training, after school programming, community events, and more to youth and adults of Wilkinsburg and the Greater Pittsburgh region in a state of the art, tech-enabled former school building. The donated devices will be used across Community Forge’s various programs to allow students to do more work at home and in the classroom.

The devices were received to much fanfare from one of Community Forge’s newer initiatives, the BootUpPGH Technology Pathways. An innovative program, BootUpPGH helps young people with a passion for technology start to build practical skills to give them an educational and professional advantage. BootUpPGH includes training in music, video, and podcast production and engineering; mobile app and website development; and graphic design. Amil Cook, the Director of Technology Programs and Curriculum and who runs BootUpPGH, said the program is currently accepting applications and they will have rolling admissions continuing through spring. More information can be found at www.linktr.ee/bootuppgh or on Community Forge’s website.

BBF wants to thank BBF Trustee, Dr. Rebekah Hughey for the introduction to Mr. Cook and Community Forge. We are pleased to be joining the organization in partnership. Additionally, BBF is grateful for the generous donation of the technology hardware from Eli Lilly and Company.