The New England Center for Children received a technology grant from the Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc., through a program called 2 Million & Change that allows Staples associates around the globe to direct more than $2 million in donations each year. The grant will fund interactive technology, including

staples squareiPads and an iPad Pro cash register, to support vocational training of students with autism.

The technology will be used in the Student Store inside NECC’s newly remodeled Student Center. The Student Store provides students with autism the opportunity to learn vocational skills including cash register operation, payment processing, stocking merchandise, bagging, customer communications and etiquette, practical math, and organizational skills. The Student Center also houses NECC’s Career Development Center, a classroom for exploring vocational strengths and interests, and for developing a variety of vocational skills.

“Staples is committed to giving back to the causes our associates are passionate about,” said Regis Mulot, chief human resources officer, Staples, Inc. “The 2 Million & Change program helps associates make an even greater impact on the organizations they support in their local communities.”

Read the full press release here.