Student Supporter

When the pandemic made it impossible for families to attend school, meet with in-person tutors, or take advantage of other educational enrichment opportunities, Hayward Public Library’s (HPL) Education Services Manager Lindsey Vien reached out to her community partners for solutions.

Working with the Hayward Unified School District and the Hayward Promise Neighborhood initiative, Vien leveraged $172,311 in grants and other funds to purchase data plans and devices. Recycling company Corporate eWaste Solutions donated 120 refurbished computers. As a result, HPL quickly organized a Tech Lending Library featuring 684 devices, including Wi-Fi hotspots.

The library and school district distributed the devices to support online learning and bridge the community’s digital divide. Families could access the library’s education support programs, such as adult literacy, English conversation, and tutoring for all school ages. “I actually am making a difference in the lives of many, in so many ways,” Vien says.

Hired in 2008, Vien designed the library’s successful Family Education Program by blending the library’s mission and values with educational pedagogy. Vien strategically aligns the expertise of each community stakeholder to focus on community needs, and partners submit joint grant applications. The result has far greater impact than if the agencies and nonprofits worked independently. The Homework Support Center and Literacy Plus programs serve thousands of families. Participating students’ academic performance rises, and they meet their literacy and career-readiness goals. “Trust and commitment assist in the breaking down of silos in the community,” Vien says. “I hope other communities are able to implement what we have here in Hayward!”