Intel Supports Hillsboro Students With School Supplies Donation

HILLSBORO, OR — Nearly 250 freshmen students entering Hillsboro School District high schools this fall will get extra help with school supplies thanks to the philanthropy of Intel employees at the company's Ronler Acres campus in Hillsboro.

According to HSD spokeswoman Elizabeth Graser, Intel's support was part of the company's 50th anniversary goal to see its employees volunteer more than 1 million hours of service in communities around the world. In Hillsboro, Intel's employees volunteered to provide school supplies and notes of encouragement to new students who are taking part in HSD's 8.5 Summer Bridge program.

"Students in this program are preparing to enter 9th grade and have been identified by their counselors as needing some additional supports and exposure to the high school setting to facilitate their successful transition," Graser told Patch.

The supplies will help remove some barriers to that successful transition, Graser explained, "(And) the notes of encouragement will provide some well-deserved recognition to the students at the program’s end."

Over the past decade, Intel employees have donated more than 10 million hours of service to help tackle environmental challenges, improve education, and help meet community needs around the world, Intel spokeswoman Bridget Bash told Patch. Last year in Oregon alone Intel employees and retirees reportedly volunteered 312,000 hours across the state and donated nearly $7.5 million.

"Intel believes in fostering the world’s next innovators," Bash said. "Our employees dedicate many hours and resources, and those resources are matched by the Intel Foundation through the Intel Involved Volunteer Matching Grant Program and the Employee Matching Gifts Program. This school supply drive is just one example of our ongoing partnerships with schools in our community."

The school supply drive was held over two weeks on the Ronler Acres campus, with roughly 60 Intel employees generating about 50 public service hours by the end. The supplies themselves were delivered to HSD's administrative offices July 27.

HSD was selected as an Intel beneficiary by Intel's Information Technology group, Graser said.

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Soliciting their peers and colleagues, Intel organizers were able to supply 240 students attending Hillsboro's four high schools with backpacks, paper, pens and pencils, folders and binders, spiral notebooks, and more. Graser estimated the total value of the donation to be around $8,000.

"It’s extremely affirming and motivating when students know that people they haven’t even met care about them and are invested in their success," Graser said. "We are very grateful to the Intel employees who participated in this donation and note-writing drive. Their time, energy, and thoughtfulness are much appreciated!"

Image via Hillsboro School District