The International WeLoveU Foundation delivered iPads to the Bridgeport Public School district to support the technology needs for pre-k to second-grade students. Currently, around 5,000 Bridgeport Public School students in these grades don’t have access to technology for learning.   

The donation is part of WeLoveU’s ongoing “Closing the Homework Gap” project to supply under-resourced schools with the necessary technology to support learning for students, families, and teachers. People’s United Bank provided a grant for the iPads. The donation took place at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 4, 2021, at the City Hall in Bridgeport, CT.  

A Word From Bridgeport Public Schools & People’s United Bank

Superintendent Michael Testani expressed his thanks to the International WeLoveU Foundation and People’s United Bank, saying, “I am grateful for your generosity and the support you are providing our students in Bridgeport during an extremely challenging year.”  

“It’s critical that local students have access to appropriate devices at a young age that is conducive to a learning style that supports early growth and development, and engages them in meaningful ways,” said Karen Galbo, Executive Director, VP of Foundations and Community Relations at People’s United Bank. “We hope by placing these iPads into their hands, they will have access to the necessary tools to augment in-person learning and set them on a productive educational path, which is particularly important in the early years of school.” 

“The volunteers are thrilled to be able to support students in Bridgeport Public Schools with their academic success,” said John Casas, Vice President of Community Engagement. “This is the fourth district the International WeLoveU Foundation has supported during this school year to assist with fulfilling the technology needs for students. We believe the donation of iPads will provide the tools needed for our youngest learners to continue on their path to a bright future.” 

To date, WeLoveU has donated more than 300 devices to school districts in Connecticut and New Jersey in efforts to help close the homework gap. WeLoveU has provided technology needs to schools worldwide, from their donation of 3,000 solar-powered lanterns for vocational students in Haiti to their donation of desktop computers for students at a primary school in Bangladesh.  

The International WeLoveU Foundation is an NGO associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications. Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah founded WeLoveU in 2001 as a vehicle to promote unity and friendship among all people of the global village — beyond nationality, race, religion, and socioeconomic status — through impactful volunteerism within the initiatives of blood drives, education, emergency relief, environmental protection, international aid, and community well-being.

The iPad Donation Made Possible By People’s United Bank’s Support

People’s United Bank, N.A. is a subsidiary of People’s United Financial, Inc., a diversified, community-focused financial services company headquartered in the Northeast with over $64 billion in assets. Founded in 1842, People’s United Bank offers commercial and retail banking through a network of more than 400 retail locations in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, as well as wealth management solutions. The company also provides specialized commercial services to customers nationwide.