They are welcome to use the schools' computer labs, which are open days, evenings, and weekends. Or they can access the service at other neighborhood places, including a community center located at the public housing project where many of the children live. As part of IBM's partnership with the school district, parents are also encouraged to sign a contract agreeing to volunteer an hour each week for each child attending school at the Governor's Village. Parents help out in the classroom, tutor children, accompany them on field trips or work with them on special events or assemblies. Companies could also help schools establish parent resource rooms.
Employers can fund special projects aimed at improving parent-teacher relationships.
Colorado National Bank, Security Life of Denver, US West, and KCNC-TV are among the employers who underwrite the costs of a Denver homework hotline staffed by teachers. For some companies, it might be difficult for workers to take time off during the school day. One solution to this problem is to bring school services to the work site. When time is of the essence, but families want and need to stay in touch with their children's schools, employers can assume the responsibility of bringing expertise to the company. Counselors come prepared with students' records, report cards, and comments from teachers.