BUEA donates $23,000 to local public schools

Even though children in Bloomington's Urban Enterprise Zone live in low- to moderate-income households, that won't stop them from advancing their technology skills.\nThe Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association is donating over $23,000 to Fairview, Broadview and Templeton Elementary schools and Tri-North Middle School to enhance technological opportunities for students who live in the Enterprise Zone, a four mile swath of downtown Bloomington encompassing some of the most poverty-stricken areas of the city.\n"This year we specifically wanted to expand our funding opportunity to schools who serve children who live in the Enterprise Zone," said David Sabbagh, BUEA Board and city council member.\nResidents and businesses in the Zone receive special tax incentives from the state in an effort to stimulate redevelopment of the area. The Enterprise Zone is one of 27 in Indiana.\n"These children tend not to have technological resources at home," said Lisa Abbott, program manager for the BUEA. "Donations bring them in line with other schools. Schools can't raise money, and there's never enough money."\nThe BUEA is funded by taxes from area businesses that operate inside of the Zone. \n"The BUEA donation will prepare students so they will have the necessary technology to succeed," Sabbagh said. "The world is advancing technologically."\nTempleton Elementary invested its money in SMART Board, an interactive white board that allows a teacher to explain complex math and science equations. Broadview Elementary updated its science equipment and Tri-North Middle School purchased digital cameras for journalism classes. \n"We believe that access to technology can be an equalizing force for children in poverty," Templeton Principal Cathy Diersing said. "You can't close the achievement gap until you close the opportunity gap."\nThe BUEA offers a variety of programs to Zone businesses and residents. With low-interest loans, down payment assistance and guidance from the Bloomington Small Business Development Center, the Enterprise Zone is focused on the connection between education and the economy.\n"Educational attainment is the key to financial opportunity," Abbott said. "In addition to helping area schools, the BUEA is launching a scholarship program with Ivy Tech for Zone residents. This board believes in the importance of education for economic opportunity."\n--Contact staff writer Jessica Levco at jlevco@indiana.edu.