Techquity: Vive School Center
For many, learning English is directly connected to their goals for the future. Better language skills can make it easier to pursue additional education, find better employment, and navigate everyday life with greater independence.
For people building a new life in the United States, learning English can be one of the hardest and most important steps toward opportunity.
While offering business classes and other programming, Vive School Center of Milwaukee recognized that many members of their community were eager to learn English but faced barriers that made it difficult to access the resources they needed.
That led Pastor Mac Sore, senior pastor of Vive Church Milwaukee, and his team to develop English-language classes designed to help community members build their skills and confidence. Using Burlington English, which blends online and in-person learning, participants receive instruction from teachers while also completing much of their learning independently on a computer.
There was just one problem: many participants didn’t have access to – or the funds to buy – a computer.
“We needed computers,” Laura, a coordinator at the church recalled. “How are we going to find somebody to donate the computers?”
The answer came through United Way.
After reaching out to share the church’s plans and the need in the community, Vive Church received 40 computers through United Way’s Techquity initiative. With a device for every participant, the English-language program could move forward, and participants could begin building skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Pastor Mac and his staff have already seen the difference. Participants have shared stories of new opportunities emerging through the skills and resources they gained, including new job opportunities.
“Thank you so much for giving that opportunity to help our community,” Pastor Mac said. “Through that, we can reach more people and we can change lives.”
When we connect people with the tools they need to learn, grow, and pursue their goals, we create opportunities that can ripple throughout our entire community. When you give to United Way’s Techquity initiative, you become a catalyst for change – bridging the digital divide and opening doors for our entire community to thrive.