The $20,000 Question: Why are these kids typing on unplugged computers?

Stephanie Banchero and Patricia Callahan:

The state is squandering taxpayer money on dubious after-school grants, including many that rewarded one lawmaker's political supporters, a Tribune investigation found.

In a church on Chicago's West Side, two homeless children fiddled aimlessly on unplugged computers, awaiting their "tutor."

Another church sat darkened and padlocked during after-school hours even though it was presented as a tutoring center.

A woman used her grant for billboard ads that would encourage teens to attend community college, but she pocketed nearly half the money. The billboards have yet to appear.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at July 20, 2008 3:33 AM
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