For the past seven years, St. Maria Goretti teachers Leslie Karra and Danielle Murphy have witnessed the profound impact that the Kids, Cops & Computers program is having on kids.

They've "seen first-hand how the computer and eBuddy mentorship motivates kids to do better at school."

"I've seen kids go from quiet and shy to exhibiting leadership after they've been selected to be part of the Program," notes Karra.

Kids, Cops & Computers works with Grade 7 kids who are selected by their educators as having high learning potential.

"Students often feel a great sense of pride knowing that they were selected by their teachers and principals," says Murphy, noting that the Toronto Police mentorship component of the Program also has a "very positive effect on students' self-esteem."

Karra and Murphy, who still keep in touch with past-year students, say the impact of the Program on kids does not stop at the Grade 7 level. Rather, it is continuous through high school and university.

"It's ongoing," says Karra. "Students who've graduated to high school still tell me how great a Program it is-it's just an upward trend for success."