Washington, DC – Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of their first mobile lab at Lincoln Multicultural Middle School this morning. The computer lab was made possible through the receipt of a $30,000 grant funded by Freddie Mac. The grant is part of the HITEC Foundation’s mission, to shape the technology of tomorrow through cultivation of the leadership potential of today’s Hispanic youths and to increase their representation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) related pursuits.

The grant funds the purchase of portable laptop learning devices for the 440 middle school students at Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC).  The grant is part of the HITEC Foundation’s mission, to shape the technology of tomorrow through cultivation of the leadership potential of today’s Hispanic youths and to increase their representation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) related pursuits.  

“It is a privilege to partner with Freddie Mac to establish the first mobile lab at CHEC,” said Frank DeArmas, chairman of the HITEC Foundation. “We are committed to cultivating an early interest in STEM, especially among underserved middle and high schools with high Hispanic populations and improving their access to technology. Our goal is to give young people the opportunity to obtain the skills they need to pursue their aspirations in today’s information economy.”

“Freddie Mac recognizes the importance of providing students with access to educational opportunities, particularly as it relates to technology,” said James Dalton, Vice President of Application Services in IT at Freddie Mac. “Computers open up a world of possibilities and can spark an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We are proud to do our part with the HITEC Foundation to help these students discover the wonders of STEM education.”

CHEC is a DC Public School that serves over 1,400 students from grades 6-12.  The Campus is rooted by a community-based, 36-year history of open enrollment access to education aimed at propelling students to college.

“This is such a thoughtful and innovative opportunity to provide deeper personalization of learning for our students,” said Maria Tukeva, principal of CHEC. “Our community is very committed to addressing the issue of the need for technology in education to impact underserved students.  We will use this grant to extend our global approach to education and look forward to embracing new strategies and platforms to engage students in anytime and anywhere learning.” Tukeva added, “We are grateful to the breathtaking vision and generosity of the HITEC Foundation and Freddie Mac.”

About the HITEC Foundation

The HITEC (Hispanic IT Executive Council) Foundation is committed to early academic engagement of Hispanic youths, as well as their persistence through degree completion. At the middle-school level, it provides grants so that students can attend technology-based programs. It also awards scholarships to Hispanic high school students who have demonstrated interest in and talent for STEM. In order to retain college and university students, the HITEC Foundation provides internship and mentorship opportunities with its corporate partners, thereby ensuring a smoother transition into technical careers.

About Freddie Mac

Freddie Mac makes home possible for millions of families and individuals by providing mortgage capital to lenders. Since our creation by Congress in 1970, we've made housing more accessible and affordable for homebuyers and renters in communities nationwide. We are building a better housing finance system for homebuyers, renters, lenders and taxpayers. Learn more at FreddieMac.com, Twitter @FreddieMac and Freddie Mac's blog FreddieMac.com/blog.