On Tuesday morning, Cobb parent Heather Smith took a brief break from overseeing the instruction of her four boys to drive to Osborne High School where she picked up a new computer to help her kids with their digital learning.
This week, more than 600 Cobb parents like Ms. Smith will be able to pick up new free digital devices thanks to the Cobb Schools Foundation campaign to put the learning tools in the hands of those in need. The Foundation’s campaign has raised $185,000 of its $250,000 goal to buy digital devices. To support the campaign visit the Cobb Schools Family Stabilization Donation page.
“We are grateful to all those who have supported our campaign and understand that students who experience a lapse in learning may experience academic challenges in the near future. We want all students to continue to have success and have the tools and resources needed to achieve their goals,” said Felicia Wagner, Executive Director of the Cobb Schools Foundation.
Before Heather Smith picked up one of the new donated devices, she was struggling to meet her sons’ digital learning needs.
“I was unprepared. I had a broken tablet that had been disconnected for like 3-4 years,” Ms. Smith explained.
She had tried to make do with an outdated computer that has since stopped working and some old phones she managed to connect to WiFi. Unfortunately, one of her sons suffers from migraines and the tiny phone screens were no good for his eyes and headaches. She tried to buy another digital device herself but couldn’t find an available one due to delays in shipping and everyone snatching them up in response to businesses and schools closing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. She tried to find someone to fix her old computer but had no luck.
“Everywhere was sold out, and I didn’t know where to go. I can’t afford for every kid to have their own laptop or desktop,” she added.
Her sons’ teachers were staying in daily contact providing digital lessons, but she was starting to feel overwhelmed navigating all the emails on her phone. One day, a teacher checked in to see how she was managing. That was the lifeline she needed and the one that helped her family get the new digital device they need to continue their learning from home.
“I’m appreciative. It definitely takes a lot of stress off me. Everywhere was sold out. I didn’t know what to do. It all happened so fast,” the Cobb mom said.
She didn’t know who to thank for her new device. She didn’t know about the donations coming in from across the Cobb Schools community and the Cobb alumni stepping up to help the Cobb Schools Foundation campaign.
When asked what she would tell those who have supported the Cobb Schools Foundation campaign, like the Hamels Foundation, this is what she said:
“Thank you so much for coming through during a time of desperation and need for our next generation to proceed with their education and not feel so disconnected.”
Communities In Schools of Georgia is providing an additional 125 devices to students at Title I schools.
“We have worked with the school social workers and Cobb Schools Foundation to ensure that we do not provide to the same student. This way, we can both provide technology to students in need and not duplicate the recipients,” said Natalie Rutledge, Executive Director of Communities in Schools of Georgia in Marietta/Cobb County.
Cobb parents and students are not the only ones who are grateful for the new digital connections. Thanks to the digital devices, Cobb teachers can continue their relationship with their students, which is critical to the educational process.
Listen as Cobb teachers talk about the importance of staying connected.
How Can You Help?
Please visit the Cobb Schools Family Stabilization website to make a donation.
Contact: cobbschoolsfoundation@cobbk12.org
Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship A Memorial Tribute Honoring the Life of Gerald Shelton Gerald Shelton was a man defined by kindness, quiet strength, and a deep belief in the power of education. Throughout his life, he treated others with generosity and respect, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. For ten years, Mr. Shelton faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease with remarkable perseverance. Even as the disease progressed, the love and dedication he inspired in his family remained constant. His journey became a powerful example of resilience, patience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Mr. Shelton believed that education opens doors and creates opportunities. He valued learning not only for the knowledge it provides, but for the confidence and determination it builds in young people as they shape their futures. A Legacy of Perseverance In honor of Gerald Shelton’s life and the perseverance he demonstrated during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the Cobb Schools Foundation is proud to establish the Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship . This scholarship reflects the values Mr. Shelton lived by — resilience, determination, and the belief that education can help students overcome obstacles and reach their goals. The Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship will support students who demonstrate the courage to keep moving forward when life becomes difficult. It celebrates young people who show determination, strength of character, and commitment to continue pursuing their education despite challenges. Continuing His Legacy Through this scholarship, Gerald Shelton’s legacy will live on in the lives of students who embody the same perseverance he showed throughout his life. Each recipient will carry forward his spirit of resilience — proving that when challenges arise, perseverance can lead the way to opportunity and hope. We are deeply grateful to Joy Doss, President of the Cobb Schools Foundation, and her family for honoring her daddy's life in a way that will inspire and support students for generations to come.
2026 Volunteers of the Year: Celebrating Dedication, Leadership, and Service
Cobb EMC Foundation Supports Expansion of STRIVE Program in Cobb County Schools
