The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard on young people who have recently aged out of foster care. Many of Iowa's youth are just getting started on their next chapter of life living on their own, often without the support of a stable family or positive supportive environment. With increasing reliance on technology for everyday activities, not having access to a computer is a significant challenge for these young people.

Leazhane Leachmon

The laptops help youth keep up in school and help maintain the social co nnections critical to their well-being and development. Connectivity is crucial for continuing education, getting or maintaining a job, and accessing benefits and services.

"The donated computers provide our most vulnerable youth with resources to stay connected, promote health and wellness, and enable emotional and social support," said Jeffrey Jones, president, Amerigroup Iowa. "Many community partners have expressed the need to connect virtually through affordable, innovative and creative solutions to promote health and education. This is an extension of our digital-first approach as a company, to connect with members when they want and how they want it, putting them at the center. Amerigroup Iowa is committed to supporting programs that go beyond traditional healthcare support and it's through these initiatives that we can continue to build a brighter future for Iowa's youth."

YPII has arranged to distribute the computers to Iowa Aftercare Services Network agencies throughout the state who are working directly with hundreds of youth who have aged out of foster care and have an immediate need for the laptops.

"We are delighted to facilitate the donation of the computers to these young people through the Aftercare Network," said Carol Behrer, executive director, YPII. "For many youth transitioning out of foster care, access to technology-something many of us take for granted-can be a lifeline."