The refurbished laptops were given to pre-selected students who have made significant academic gains but did not have their own device at home. Semaj Coleman was one of those students.
“So excited! I can’t even explain in words how excited I was, so I’ll be able to access the internet and everything.”
The laptops were provided by AT&T, which donated 150 devices this fall to the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP to distribute to youth in need.
NAACP President Cle Jackson says these laptops help bridge the digital divide for students from low-income households.
“If you don’t have access to the proper tools, you’re going to be left behind, and so it’s critically important in so many areas that these young people now start to become very familiar with the technology.”
According to InternetForAll.gov, 11% of Michigan households don’t have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world.
The NAACP will follow up with students receiving laptops making sure their homes have internet access to fully utilize their devices.
