Local nonprofits collaborate to close gaps in equal access to technology.

As Charlotte-Mecklenburg students start the 2020-21 school year in their virtual classrooms, parents, educators and community members scramble to fill the gaps amplified by online education. Though many Charlotte nonprofits were addressing the multitude of issues that create digital inequalities in our communities before COVID-19, the problems with reliable internet service, dependable technology and equal access to tech education continue to deepen.

According to Dr. Sharon Jones, founder of the Dottie Rose Foundation, “These roadblocks to successful virtual education existed before COVID-19, but the pivot to online classrooms, increased unemployment and other factors have amplified inequalities for many of our CMS families.” She went on to explain that often it is the nonprofit community that rallies during these uncertain times, “to work efficiently and effectively when traditional agencies are overwhelmed.”

One of those amazing organizations is E2D - Eliminate the Digital Divide. E2D refurbishes old donated computers and gets them into the hands of those who need reliable technology the most. Pat Millen, the founder and CEO of E2D, believes that there has never been a more critical time to make sure that all families have access to computers and broadband in their homes.

“E2D relies upon generous donations of laptops to help our communities thrive,” explained Millen. “If you have an old laptop you aren’t using anymore, we need it. But, we also need your friends’, neighbors’, congregations’ computers….every laptop we can get our hands on to solve this critical need right now.”

Charlotteans can help eliminate the digital divide, for the estimated 19% of students who don’t have household computers and internet access, in a number of ways. “Folks can donate their old laptops, ask friends to donate and encourage their employer to donate,” encouraged Ellie Kincaid, Communication Coordinator of E2D. “If you don't personally have a laptop or funds to donate, have a conversation with someone else and tell them about E2D.”

To help raise awareness, the Dottie Rose Foundation will be accepting donations on behalf of E2D until September 30th, as part of their quarterly nonprofit partnership. E2D is holding their 8th Annual Back to School Laptop Distribution on August 15th from 9 AM - noon at AvidXchange NC Music Factory. If you would like to donate laptops to E2D, please email them at donatelaptops@e-2-d.org. Monetary donations can be made through their website https://www.e-2-d.org/

About E2D

E2D's mission is to ensure that every student has affordable and essential at-home technology and the training support to achieve academic success. Our ultimate goal is to see students in our community on a path of upward mobility through technology access and digital education training. We also empower students by providing exposure to workforce development opportunities in the technology industry through our Re-Image CLT initiative, which hires and trains CMS students to refurbish donated laptops.

Amazon Smile Wish List: https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/3JR0FFM8JKW5D/ref=smi_ext_lnk_lcl_cl

SHARE Charlotte profile: https://sharecharlotte.org/nonprofit/e2d-inc

About the Dottie Rose Foundation

The Dottie Rose Foundation is a local nonprofit hustling to close the gender gap in technology by offering computer science workshops and camps to middle school girls in the Charlotte area. Currently during COVID-19, Dotie Rose also offers online classes to girls and boys. By connecting the dots between students’ interests, lived experiences and computer science, the Dottie Rose Foundation hopes to inspire the next generation to code their own futures.