The Kishwaukee College Foundation received a $33,000 Meta Data Center Community Action
Grant to enhance learning through immersive technology.
Meta Data Center Community Action Grants focus on using the power of technology to
improve local communities. As a recipient, the Kish Foundation used the grant to purchase
immersive learning equipment, such as virtual reality (VR) headsets, to create engaging
experiences for Kish Athletics, Student Involvement and Tutoring Services.
"I can't believe this is here in time for me to use in my education. The VR headsets
and applications I have been using have pushed me a step forward and opened doors
for me," said Kish student Joel Baptista.
Kish students noted how fun and engaging the new technology is while brainstorming
ways to utilize it in their student experience.
"I took a speech class last semester and didn't really have anyone to practice with.
This would have been really helpful. I think it will be helpful for other students,"
said Kish student Alissa Nambo.
The Kish Foundation qualified for the grant by meeting a set of criteria and being
within the community of Meta's DeKalb Data Center, one of just 28 Meta data centers
in the world.
"Meta's presence in our communities since they broke ground in DeKalb County in 2020
has been incredibly significant. We are honored this year to be a recipient of the
Meta DeKalb Data Center Community Action Grant, which is providing innovative technology
for our learning environment and sports teams. We look forward to the great things
we will do in partnership in the future," said Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee
College.
Learn more about the Kishwaukee College Foundation at kish.edu/foundation.