CenterState Bank Supports IRSC Laptop Lending Program to Assist College Students in Okeechobee County

July 17, 2020 Robert Lane

Representatives from CenterState Bank came to the Indian River State College (IRSC) Dixon Hendry Campus on Monday, July 13, to present a $12,000 check to fund the purchase of 18 new Dell Notebook computers for a laptop lending program that will provide access to technology for Okeechobee County students needing computers to engage in remote learning opportunities with IRSC.

CenterState Bank representatives at the IRSC Dixon Hendry Campus

Representatives from CenterState Bank visited the IRSC Dixon Hendry Campus to present a $12,000 check in support of a laptop lending program to provide access to technology for Okeechobee County students in need of computers for online and remote learning with IRSC. Standing are (left to right) Steve Watters, CenterState Bank Regional Market Manager, Russ Brown, IRSC Provost, Okeechobee County and Ann Decker, Executive Director of the IRSC Foundation. Seated are Tabitha Trent (left), CenterState Bank VP Bank Manager and John Williams, CenterState Bank Community President.

“Access to technology is a critical need to support student success,” shares Russ Brown, IRSC Provost, Okeechobee County. “We are so excited to have CenterState Bank partnering with us to introduce our laptop lending program that will help Okeechobee County students to pursue their educational goals.”

“CenterState Bank is absolutely honored to partner with IRSC to provide our students and the Okeechobee community the opportunity to continue the furtherment of their education," shares Tabitha Trent Vice President and Bank Manager IV, CenterState Bank. "We recognize challenges that students face today with the increased need for remote learning and the COVID-19 pandemic. At CenterState we truly believe in investing in the lives of others and the communities we serve.”

Students who qualify for financial aid are eligible to take part in the laptop lending program, which will provide computers to students on a per-semester basis. Students can apply for the program by contacting the Student Services office at the Dixon Hendry Campus.

Located at 2229 NW 9th Avenue in Okeechobee, the Dixon Hendry Campus offers a creative and flexible schedule for Associate in Arts, Associate in Science/Applied Science Degree programs. Career programs directly address the needs of the surrounding community, including customized training for businesses and expanded technical programs in nursing, automotive technology and HVAC. The College is currently registering students for Fall semester. For more information on the Dixon Hendry laptop lending program or about courses and programs offered through IRSC, call 863-824-6000.