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Wamego Community Foundation Announces Tax Credits to Create Community Technology Center
April 21, 2011 (Wamego) -- The Wamego Community Foundation is applying for Community Service Tax Credits through the Kansas Department of Commerce, to be used to create a Community Technology Center at Wamego High School. The technology center would be open to the public, allowing citizens who may not have Internet access or computers at home to file their tax returns, apply for a job, complete online banking, check their children’s grades, chat with friends, or do other routine tasks that are becoming automated.
“The opening of the Center hinges upon the success of the Wamego Community Foundation—through the work of its I-Tech Taskforce—in their competitive application for the tax credits,” said Lisa Ward, I-Tech co-chair. “To date the taskforce has raised $50,000 of their desired $65,000 through private donations to fund the initial effort and increase the attractiveness of the tax credit application.”
The USD 320 School Board adopted a resolution providing in-kind rent, utilities, security and personnel to assist with network management for the center. In return, the equipment purchased through the tax credits would give students access to technology for school projects and use with their families.
“We are thrilled to be able to provide the resource of our students to assist the community with technology and, in return, help our students improve their access to technology,” said Ward.
“This is a very special program that will benefit our students and our community,” said Doug Conwell, USD 320 Superintendent. “The high school is the perfect location for the center. It is an established central location with security, network, and a ready supply of volunteers already in place.”
The I-Tech Taskforce is a collaboration of local business owners, community organization representatives, administrators and teachers who came together to promote the idea of connecting through technology. After visiting similar centers throughout the state, the taskforce received commitments and support from community and high school volunteers, the Wamego Recreation Commission, Community Health Ministries, Highland Community College, Pottawatomie Economic Development Corporation, Wamego Senior Center, Three Rivers, Wamego Chamber of Commerce, as well as many local businesses.
At the technology center, citizens will be assisted by volunteers with technology applications such as word processing, Internet and Facebook, free Internet calling on Skype, digital scrapbooking, website design, e-blast marketing, preparation of skills for job searches, assistive software for special needs learners, after school and summer tech camps, tax preparation, budgeting, and more.
“The center will operate regular hours for walk-in use,” Ward said, “and will offer a variety of classes and scheduled appointments for troubleshooting. It is the goal of the center to provide access to technology as an economic equalizer in our community.
“All members of the community will have access and assistance, thereby improving educational opportunities and reducing the effects of poverty for our region.”
The Community Service Tax Credit application is due May 6. The tax credits allow a contributor to make a contribution of $250 or more and in return they receive a 70 percent credit against their state income tax; the contribution also qualifies for a charitable deduction on the contributor’s individual federal tax return. The Wamego Community Foundation is applying to receive $250,000 in tax credits, which will result in contributions of $360,000 or more.
“Tapping the knowledge and experience of our most natural technology users—our young people—and providing the forum for them to connect with the community is a win-win situation,” said Mary Lonker, WHS teacher. “If you have ever asked a sixth grader to help you with the T.V. remote and were amazed at how easily they manipulated the device, the same concept will be at work at the center.
“Our young people have amazing technology skills and information to share. By sharing what they know with the community, we are helping them build bridges into the community and the confidence to enter the workforce or volunteer using their technology skills.”
For more information, please contact Lisa Ward at lward@gh-ks.com or the Wamego Community Foundation at 456-8444.
About the Wamego Community Foundation
The Wamego Community Foundation was established in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Since its inception, the Foundation has received approximately $1.3 million in gifts and donations and has distributed more than $600,000 back into the community, including to the river access boat ramp, scholarships, 4th of July Fireworks, the Wam-Sag-Man recreation trail, and the Wamego City Park Train Enhancement Project, just to name a few. For more information about the Wamego Community Foundation, please visit www.thewcf.org.– 30 –
For more information, please contact:
René Eichem, executive director
Wamego Community Foundation
1004 Lincoln Ave. | P.O. Box 25
Wamego, KS 66547
P: 785-456-8444 | F: 785-456-8443
wcf@wamego.net | http://www.thewcf.org
| Wamego Community Foundation • PO Box 25 • Wamego KS 66547 • P: 785-456-8444 • F: 785-456-8443 • E-mail |