COMPUTERS FOR YOUTH APPOINTS MICHELLE HAHN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CFY-LOS ANGELES

July 27, 2010 – New York City – Computers for Youth ( www.CFY.org ), the nation's foremost leader in improving the Home Learning Environment of low-income schoolchildren, has named Michelle Hahn the Executive Director of Computers for Youth - Los Angeles. Computers for Youth - Los Angeles will grow ten-fold over this year, from 600 families served to more than 6,000 families served, due in large part to receiving one of the largest U.S. Department of Commerce grants in California for the “Sustainable Broadband Adoption” portion of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).

Hahn comes to CFY with deep political roots within the Los Angeles community as well as with extensive knowledge on how things work throughout the city. She has more than 20 years experience securing funding resources and “getting things done” in organizations that span the Mayor’s office for the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles City Council, the Los Angeles Police Foundation, and, most recently, Students Run LA, where she galvanized the board and executed the largest fundraising event in the organization’s history.

"We're thrilled to have Michelle lead our Los Angeles efforts," said Elisabeth Stock, CEO and Co-Founder of Computers for Youth. "Michelle has a proven track record of driving organizations to the next level in terms of board development, resource development and visibility. Michelle’s experience, together with her personal commitment to improving the Home Learning Environment of thousands of L.A. families, will ensure Computers for Youth -Los Angeles not only meets its aggressive growth goals over the coming years, but also becomes a permanent part of the fabric of Los Angeles."

"Computers for Youth is providing a tremendous opportunity for L.A. families and schools and I’m thrilled to be joining the organization at such an exciting time in its history," said Hahn. "There is incredible potential for harnessing the Home Learning Environment as a means for improving academic achievement, and I’m looking forward to helping Computers for Youth increase and sustain its impact in Los Angeles."

Hahn received her B.S. in Business Management from Pepperdine University and was a member of Class V of the Wells Fargo New Executive Directors Institute.

ABOUT COMPUTERS FOR YOUTH (CFY)
Computers for Youth (CFY) is the nation's leader in improving the Home Learning Environment of low-income schoolchildren. CFY works across the country to educate thought leaders and policymakers on the importance of expanding educational priorities to include learning in the home. Since 1999, CFY has developed high-impact interventions to strengthen the Home Learning Environment among middle school students, with programs now operating in New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Its signature program helps educators build stronger home-school connections and provides families with the key ingredients required to improve their Home Learning Environment – a home computer loaded with selected educational software; online family learning services; information about affordable broadband options; and hands-on training designed to help parents become more effective learning partners. Studies confirm that CFY’s programs have significantly improved students’ test scores and class effort and have increased parents’ confidence and involvement. To extend the impact of its work and strengthen the home learning field, CFY also operates an Affiliate Network of more than 30 organizations in more than 20 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, please visit www.cfy.org

 

For more information, contact:

Computers for Youth
Philip Vlahakis, Managing Director, Development and Communications
212-563-7300 x165 or pvlahakis@cfy.org