Passion for Learning Inc.
Passion for Learning Inc. offers after-school programs at Montgomery County Public Schools for students from low-income families.
It leverages the talents of adults and older students to help academically at-risk kids in grades 3-8 develop a “passion for learning.” The Dig.Lit program helps kids with writing, information, communication and technology skills. PFL works exclusively with elementary and middle schools with significant populations of children from low-income families.
Headquartered: Silver Spring
Serves: MCPS schools in Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Wheaton, Kensington, Aspen Hill
What a donation buys:
• $250 pays for one week’s Dig.Lit lesson planning and direct instruction costs for 15 to 20 students.
• $1,000 pays camp fees for two middle-school students to attend a two-week summer technology camp at Montgomery College.
• $10,000 pays for an entire school year of the Dig.Lit after-school program at one school, benefiting 15 to 20 students in more than 40 sessions.
Volunteer opportunities:
• One day: Volunteer at a special event such as the Youth Media Festival in May when middle-school students present their Digital Media Showcase. Information and communications technology professionals can volunteer as guest speakers in after-school programs.
• Weekly: Volunteer as a tech-savvy classroom assistant for the Dig.Lit program; assist lead instructors who teach web development, computer programming and digital media; or mentor and coach students working on programming, website, weblog and digital media projects.
