The efforts of a Quitman High School graduate to secure funding for a computer lab at the State Supported Living Center (SSLC) in Austin has drawn praise from colleagues and recognition for her project.

Jasmine Camille Russell is the daughter of Rosalind Russell and the late James Alford.

Jasmine attended schools in Mineola before graduating from Quitman in 2008. She is a 2012 graduate with a bachelor of science in English from Texas College in Tyler and a master of science in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in journalism at the University of North Texas in Denton. She is pursuing a master of science degree in social work at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

She is employed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in Austin, where she has been a rehab tech at the SSLC. She plans to become a social worker.

Securing the grant was a class assignment last fall when students were challenged to write a proposal that would benefit a community or organization.

She approached the City of Austin and secured a $10,000 grant from the office of Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs, enough to fund 10 computers that are now a part of the B.E.A.R. Academy – “Brave, Explore, Achieve and Repeat.” 

They help the residents to learn vital computer skills as well as assisting with other subjects.

She was one of only three students to actually secure a grant, from a class of 30.

An article about the grant can be found here:

https://bit.ly/AustinSSLCgrant