UScellular and the Green Bay Packers announced the winner of a $20,000 technology makeover through the inaugural Leap for Learning program. The Oconto Unified School District was awarded the prize during a celebration on December 13.
Earlier this fall, educators, administrators, and parents across Wisconsin were invited to nominate a Wisconsin-based K-12 school or school district through the Leap for Learning program. Nominations required a summary describing why the school deserved a technology makeover and how it would make a difference to the students. The Oconto Unified School District was nominated by Scott Boucher, IT Director/Network Engineer at Oconto Unified School District. Scott has worked for the district for 15 years. His role is to collaborate with the teaching staff on their classroom ideas and provide the technology hardware and/or software to implement those ideas.
The Oconto Unified School District plans to use the money to outfit a STEAM Lab in the Oconto Unified School District along with classrooms where students will receive hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The collaborative space will allow teachers to give students real-world, interactive experiences in these sought-after fields.
The Leap for Learning program drew more than 239 nominations from across the state. A panel of judges evaluated and scored nomination essays based on the proposed project’s ability to improve STEM related education using technology and the innovativeness of teaching programs using technology.
UScellular has a longstanding commitment to supporting its local communities through donations and volunteerism. Since 2009, the company has donated more than $22.6 million along with countless experiences and technology items to nonprofit organizations across the country.
Additionally, through its After School Access Project UScellular has pledged up to $13 million in hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet in its markets.
“With the opening of our brand-new store, just down the road in Suamico, I couldn’t be more excited for the Oconto Unified students and so proud to be part of UScellular!”, said Andrew Kamla – Owner and President of Uscellular Authorized Agent – Cell.Plus.
Cell.Plus has received the national ‘Elite Performer’ award from UScellular 9 of the 10 years the designation has been in place. Elite Performer status is given to Agencies who not only have achieved operational and performance excellence, but for also being an outstanding partner with U.S. Cellular and delivering excellent customer and community service. “It’s an honor to be recognized for doing something we are so passionate about in making a positive impact with our customers and in our communities.” said Cell.Plus owner Andrew Kamla. As local community engagement and support are one of the hallmarks of both UScellular and Cell.Plus as an Agency, the company is always looking for ways to help. “From sponsoring local events to donating items for local fundraisers, we really want to be a force for positive connections in the communities we serve.” Andrew said.
For specific inquiries regarding a local event sponsorship, fundraiser, or community group need, visit cellplus.com/community-connection.
Additional information about UScellular Authorized Agent – Cell.Plus is available on their website at cellplus.com/about. The local store also has a Facebook page you can visit, like, and follow at facebook.com/uscellular.suamico.
photo courtesy Uscellular®
The Oconto Unified School District received a $20,000 technology makeover from Uscellular and the Green Bay Packers. The supersize check was presented at a school assembly on December 13th.
