Colleges that offer laptops that Close the Digital Divide

The exceptional events of 2020 showed the world numerous things. We figured out how much we depend on supply chains and how simple it is for some countries to run out of bathroom tissue.

One key group is the Gen Z cohort. They’re shrewd about getting a degree; they’re exploiting government awards and projects and some have full-ride grants. They’re attempting to lift themselves out of the pattern of destitution and construct a superior life for themselves and their families.  As such, having a laptop for college is the most important thing a student can obtain.  Unfortunately, many students lack a laptop due to affordability.  We call this the digital divide.

Dependable Technology

It is difficult to get a two or four-year degree in America today without utilizing a PC or laptop.  Educators expect undergrads to type essays, use spreadsheets and know how to configure design software. Not to mention, students have to be available by email.  If a student has to worry about  having to decide whether to make a decent living or attend school full time, having a workable laptop will help keep that student in school.

Closing the Digital Divide

There are many organizations fixing the digital divide, however a couple of schools, colleges, and higher ed partners are stepping up to ensure students will never have to make the choice between work or school. These organizations listened to students and garnered the necessary resources to ensure their students receive free laptops to finish college.

Colleges That Offer Laptops To Students

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins leads the pack in bridging the digital divide. They realize that they’re not the only university facing this, and seek to solve this at a broad scale, starting with Baltimore itself. As of recently, JHU published their 21st Century Cities Initiative which helps Baltimore to become a digitally inclined and equal city. Instead of trying only to solve the problem for their students and campus, they’re looking outward.

In addition, they partner with two non-profits to teach local students IT skills, and sponsor campaigns to supply low-income students with

University of Houston

The city of Houston in general is rapidly closing in on the digital divide. This city is a registered Smart City and has partnership agreements with corporate powerhouses like Intel and T-Mobile to bring broadband internet access to every Houston citizen in the next five years

The University of Houston isn’t content to let the city take all the spotlight, however. They recently launched an electronic waste management initiative designed to refurbish pieces of broken or outdated technology. Once these devices are refurbished they contact struggling students in need and sell for a highly discounted price.

Alamo Colleges District

Alamo Colleges District  is a group of five connected community colleges in the poorest major metro area in America, San Antonio. Here, 60% of high school students have no access to the internet at home, and most students from the Alamo Colleges District come from these surrounding communities.

One of the five colleges, St. Philips, is the only school dually designated as both a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). They found a way to restructure tuition and fee payments to allow students to use federally designated aid dollars towards technology needs like free laptops for college students.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan has been helping low-pay students prevail with technology for quite a long time. They’ve been offering a free laptop for school program for select students since 2017. As a feature of the program, the school buys new, college-claimed MacBooks that students are permitted to use for their whole university profession. At the point when they graduate, they can either purchase the laptop to keep or return it back.

Nonprofits That Provide Laptops To College Students

There are several nonprofits that provide free laptops to college students.  For qualifications, please contact each non profit for terms, conditions and the amount of award.

• Laptops4Learning has partnered with My College Laptop and several other sponsors to provide free laptops to deserving students.  To qualify, go to Laptops4Learning to learn more.

• Everyone On has been endorsed by Michelle and Barack Obama, served over 700,000 people, and has 9 years of history. EveryoneOn is a great option to find low cost laptops and internet options. Email them to learn more about their program and see if you qualify.

• PCs For People offers free laptops to anybody at 200% poverty level or lower. Visit their site to learn more details.