PHX Reporter

Seniors at Phoenix high schools will get increased access to computers to prepare for college, thanks to the Arizona Lottery Gives Back program.

The lottery invested $50,000 into the College Depot, part of the Phoenix Public Library’s Graduating Ready, Independent and Tenacious program (GRIT) program, which used the funds to buy new laptops and internet access for students in underserved communities.

"It's really important (that we) remove any barriers they encounter along the way and just get them set up for success on their college journey,” Phoenix Public Library Foundation Executive Director Kelly Bushong told ABC 15 Arizona.

GRIT aims to provide a more connected, hands-on approach with students, including mentoring, career and college counseling, and guidance on the completion of important educational milestones.

“Through the technology, they’ll be able to participate in College Depot's hybrid programming, have help completing financial aid applications, scholarships, college applications, and it'll really just make it so we can serve more students through the program,” Bushong said, according to ABC 15 Arizona.

GRIT provides students with mentoring, career and college counseling as a hands-on program. With the assistance of their GRIT adviser, who guides them through every stage, the students can use the computers in the library or take them home for additional working time.