JEFFERSON CITY—Senator Shalonn “Kiki” Curls, D-Kansas City, was proud to take part in GTECH’s unveiling of a new $16,000 computer lab for the Police Athletic League of Kansas City, a nonprofit group that works with area youth. Today’s launch of the new lab marks the 248th GTECH After School Advantage lab worldwide as part of the global program implemented in 1999 to provide underprivileged children with access to modern technology in areas where the company does business. GTECH is the world’s leading lottery technology and services provider, currently providing such services to the Missouri Lottery. 

“I am proud that the GTECH After School Advantage program continues to support the local youth in Kansas City through our latest computer lab donation,” said GTECH Missouri Account Development Manager Kathy Muenks. “This lab donation will provide children with an opportunity to utilize an influential combination of educational resources and new computer technology that might not otherwise be available to them.”

Representatives from GTECH joined local community partners and PAL staff and members for an official ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony to celebrate the launch of the new lab. 

Speaking at the event were GTECH Missouri Account Development Manager Kathy Muenks; Sen. S. Kiki Curls; Missouri Lottery Executive Director May Scheve Reardon; Kansas City Chief of Police Darryl Forte; and PAL Board of Directors President Christine Lentz.

“The Missouri Lottery’s primary beneficiary is public education,” said Missouri Lottery Executive Director May Scheve Reardon.  “Since its inception in 1986, the Lottery has contributed nearly $5 billion to the state and public education through a variety of important programs and institutions.  GTECH’s After School Advantage program exemplifies the Lottery’s mission and continued commitment to benefit students and public education in the state of Missouri.”

GTECH’s $16,000 donation includes 15 desktop computers, a smart board, a printer, chairs, Microsoft Office software, assorted educational software, and room decor. The new lab was designed to help the PAL engage members in homework, creative thinking, and study help.

The technology is available five days a week during the school year, as well as during the summer. In addition to their daily job responsibilities, GTECH employees volunteered their time to purchase and install the technology and create a productive and inviting space for members.

“The Police Athletic League of Kansas City is an exemplary long-standing organization in the community that serves our youth,” said Missouri State Sen. Curls.  “It’s a perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between our youth and law enforcement.  Thanks to GTECH, the Missouri Lottery, and PAL’s determination in serving the youth of Kansas City, the center will now have a state-of-the-art computer lab, benefiting the hundreds of youth who take advantage of PAL’s services daily. Through trust and collaboration between law enforcement, neighborhood leaders, parents, and generous organizations, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of urban youth. I am honored to play my humble part in this incredible achievement.”

The mission of the PAL of Kansas City is to offer youth the opportunity to interact with police officers in a positive setting while participating in cultural, mentoring, and sports programs. The goal of the organization is to reduce youth related crime and build self-esteem by creating programming in academics, arts, cultural activities, sporting activities, and life skills enrichment.

“The impact PAL has had on the lives of our urban-core children, most of whom live in poverty, cannot be overstated,” said Kansas City Chief of Police Darryl Forte. “Many of these children have gone on to college with academic and athletic scholarships, attaining careers they never would have thought possible. This new computer lab allows us to offer after-school and summer programs to prepare our youth for careers in the 21st century. We appreciate the generosity of GTECH, the Missouri Lottery, and Senator Curls for supplying the Police Athletic League with the equipment to help these young people achieve.”

“We are extremely blessed that the PAL organization is fortunate to be the recipient of brand new state of the art computers and related equipment for our computer lab,” said President of the PAL Board Christine Lentz. “This is an amazing opportunity to provide our PAL kids with this technology. This donation will provide an opportunity to enhance their education outside of their schools.  Our kids work side by side with KCPD officers who assist them not only with their educational needs, but everyday life skills.”