Building our Online Virtual Community

The William G. & Marie Selby Foundation helps the Academy reimagine and reinvent service delivery during COVID-19.

In response to COVID-19 precautionary measures, the Academy has begun developing a hybrid program that combines onsite with virtual online services. Academy members can choose day-to-day the option of their preference. The development of online services is our newest innovation and allows members to stay connected, continue with vocational training, and pursue opportunities for personal growth.

In the process of developing our online services, we discovered that a portion of Academy members do not have access to devices and/or software that would enable them to participate in our virtual programs. Thanks to the generosity of the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation, these Academy members are now being provided with a fully equipped tablet for at-home use. We are deeply grateful to the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation for helping us to reimagine and reinvent our service delivery during COVID-19.

Thanks to a special offer by Sprint, we have included Mobile Device Management (MDM) services, which allow remote access to the screens of member tablets. In this way, we can guide members through any difficulties with device or software use. Each tablet is equipped with a protective case, keyboard, software and Internet. Academy member, Rima Ghalieh (pictured above), is one of our first tablet recipients. “I’ve never had my own tablet, and I’m grateful to the Academy for giving me one to use. I’m excited to practice my typing again, and be able to connect to the Academy online.”