GRU and CH2M Partner through ACEC to Buy New Laptops for EHS Students
On January 18, 2018, Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) and CH2M (now Jacobs) presented six new laptop computers to Eastside High School for student use. The partnership was brought about through the Alachua County Education Compact (ACEC), formed by the Chamber after meeting with educators and chamber leaders from Los Angeles to learn about their education compact.
The partnership between the three organizations will help bridge the digital divide and provide positive reinforcement for academic excellence in students who may not have access to technology at home.
Funding is provided through CH2M’s Bikes-n-Bytes, an employee-sponsored program started in 2001 to provide positive reinforcement for good behavior and academics. To date, the program has donated 676 bikes and 147 computers, laptops and tablets to deserving youth at various schools, churches, and youth centers in north Florida.
CH2M has worked with GRU since 1973, helping plan, design, and oversee construction of their water and wastewater facilities.
“Education and employment opportunities go hand-in hand in any community,” said Susan Davenport, President/CEO of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce. “We formed the Alachua County Education Compact to build a bridge between area businesses and our educators — and to make these opportunities possible. We’re proud to have helped bring CH2M and GRU together to help these East Side High School students have more access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in business and life.”