McIntosh High’s Lisa Collins knows that giving back to the community is an important part of doing business.

Collins, a business teacher, is making sure that her students remember that life is about more than personal success and making lots of money; it is also about improving the community by helping others.

Students in her ninth grade computer applications classes have formed a group called Y.E.S. (Youth Empowering Seniors). As part of their coursework, students in Collins’ two classes will offer free computer workshops to Fayette’s senior citizens. They will teach the seniors basic computer functions, how to navigate through the Internet and how to send and receive email.

“I see seniors as the foundation of our country. I also see that they have a common divide when it comes to using technology,” says Collins.

Many senior adults are not very computer savvy; especially, when it comes to the Internet and email. Collins wants to show them that the world is at their fingertips, and with a few keystrokes, they can go anywhere they want.

The classes will be conducted at McIntosh High in Collins’ classroom on April 27. Two class times are being offered: Class I, 2:20-3:30 pm or Class II, 3:30-4:30 pm. Since space is limited, attendees must reserve their seat in one of the two classes by April 10 by calling Collins at 770-631-3232, ext. 127.

Students have designed flyers and have been promoting the workshops at local senior communities and assisted living centers. They have also designed their own lesson plans and handouts as well as an evaluation form to get feedback for future workshops.

Not only are the students learning the value of giving to others, but they are also putting their skills to the test as they teach what they have learned.

“The best way for students to show what they have learned is to teach it. But most importantly, I want them to see the need to give back and that it’s not just about them,” says Collins.

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