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CW and WPYB Inspire Youth Through Project Digital JumpStart (PDJ)

Posted on September 24, 2025 - Posted in: Blog, CW News
The College of Westchester Computer Science students formally present laptops to the White Plains Youth Bureau for community distribution.

In the summer of 2024, the White Plains Youth Bureau (WPYB) adopted an idea of White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach and launched an exciting yearlong initiative to introduce high school students to the world of computer hardware and software. In partnership with the City of White Plains and The College of Westchester (CW), and funded by a grant awarded by Comcast Corporation through the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Project Digital JumpStart (PDJ) was created to provide hands-on learning experiences designed to empower youth with essential tech skills.

CW Computer Science majors worked side-by-side with PDJ students, guiding them through the identification and understanding of key computer components such as monitors, motherboards, processors, RAM/ROM, hard drives, keyboards, and laptops. The students also explored operating systems, software applications, cybersecurity fundamentals, and more.

Frank Williams and Patricia Staffiero of the White Plains Youth Bureau deliver laptops to The Kensington White Plains.

The program emphasized experiential learning. Students assembled PCs, installed software, and repaired and configured laptops. One of the highlights was installing Linux on laptops donated by Women’s Enterprise Development Center (WEDC), which were then prepared for use by older adults in the community. The College of Westchester Computer Science students completed the final setup and formally presented the laptops to the White Plains Youth Bureau for community distribution.

Project Digital JumpStart exemplifies the power of collaboration and community. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected future—one laptop at a time.

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