Berryville, VA — On the evening of May 8, the Clarke County Education Foundation (CCEF), in partnership with the Virginia Student Training and Refurbishment Program (VA STAR), hosted a Bridging the Gap Ceremony at DG Cooley Upper Campus, distributing free refurbished computers to 75 local Pre-K and Head Start families.
As part of its long-standing commitment to educational equity, CCEF has proudly participated in the VA STAR program since 2012. This initiative not only equips local students with hands-on technical skills, but also ensures that children and families throughout Clarke County have the digital tools they need to succeed.
Each family in attendance received a refurbished laptop—prepared and distributed by Clarke County High School students under the leadership of their teacher, Mr. Phillip Facemire. Students in the VA STAR program learn to diagnose, repair, and restore donated devices, all while gaining valuable IT and workforce skills.
“This initiative empowers both our students and our families,” said Beth Williams, Executive Director of the Clarke County Education Foundation. “It’s inspiring to see our high schoolers use their skills to create real change—not just in their own schools, but across our entire community.”
The evening also featured a warm family-style dinner and a technology education presentation, offering parents and caregivers guidance on how to use their devices to support early learning and maintain strong communication with schools.
Since 2012, Clarke County students have refurbished and distributed more than 1,000 computers to those in need—including Clarke County students and families, immigrants, and underserved communities as far away as the Bahamas and Belize.
“This is more than a local program—it’s a global effort powered by the compassion and dedication of our students,” said Williams. “We’re proud to continue expanding its impact year after year.”
For more information about VA STAR or to support digital access efforts in Clarke County, visit www.ccefinc.org.
