E2D - Eliminate the Digital Divide

At E2D, we believe that digital equity is a necessity for everyone. As we continue to support those impacted by the disaster in Western North Carolina, we are reminded that community connection and support are everything. Throughout Digital Inclusion Week, we’ve been reminded of the importance of access to technology for every family, student, and individual in our city. We’re proud of the strides we’ve made, but there’s still more work to be done! This is a collaborative effort. We depend on our local leaders to support and advocate for our work, which you will see in the letter from Mayor Vi Lyles A huge thank you to our partners, supporters, and the community for rallying behind the mission to ensure EVERYONE is connected. Let’s keep this momentum going! #DigitalInclusionWeek #DigitalEquity #E2D

At its core, #digitalinclusion is about creating a society where every individual can fully and equitably access and use technology. We partnered with Connected Nation eero Human-I-T National Digital Inclusion Alliance to distribute routers to families in North Carolina. Stay tuned for more on what we did this week! #DIW2024 #InclusiveTech

North Carolina Technology Association (NC TECH) (Brooks Raiford) and Kramden Institute's 3rd Annual Device Drive was a huge success with 110 drop-offs and 7 full pallets of donations. Special guests attended including N.C. Department of Information Technology Secretary Jim Weaver, who provided a updated briefing on the work being done in #WNC to restore communications networks, NC Senator Jay Chaudhuri, NC Rep Zack Hawkins, and S.G. Pat Miller E2D - Eliminate the Digital Divide. Donations are needed more than ever as we look to the coming weeks of recovery and rebuilding in WNC. Many families lost everything and Kramden and E2D need to start now to ensure those families and students have computers to begin rebuilding their lives. #Helene Event video: https://lnkd.in/exjZ4393

Throughout the week,?CDE members and volunteers have been working hand-in-hand with local organizations to help those affected by hurricane #Helene. One of the biggest impacts the storm had was on connectivity. Thousands do not have access to devices or reliable internet—both are needed to communicate with loved ones connect with critical resources, like FEMA assistance. To that end, we are: ? deploying iPads preloaded with FEMA and other support resources (to date, 203 have been deployed to the High Country Council of Governments and to Land of Sky Regional Council) ? actively requesting laptop donations through E2D - Eliminate the Digital Divide Connect with us if you want to help, too. #Connections #FEMA #Helene

If you see Kailyn S Sutton, one of our amazing Impact Fellows, be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday! ???? We're so grateful for all her work with us thus far. Let's celebrate her today! ??

In the aftermath of the storm, E2D is committed to supporting Western Carolina communities as they rebuild and recover. We’re stepping up our efforts to provide essential technology, but we need your help! Over the next few months, the demand for computers will be critical to ensuring students and families stay connected and access vital resources. If you’re able, consider donating your company's (or personal) used laptops—every donation makes a difference. Every laptop counts! Click the link to read more about how to support this effort! https://lnkd.in/efySMtnN

This is IMPACT! Take a minute and watch the super short video attached. You will see the wonder of Corporate and Non-Profit collaboration changing the world!

What an incredible week empowering the next generation of leaders across North Carolina! E2D's HBCU laptop distribution week was a huge success, and we couldn’t have done it without YOU! We thank our corporate partners, generous donors, and dedicated supporters for helping us bridge the digital divide and provide all devices FREE of cost. Your support is making a lasting impact! Together, we're breaking barriers and creating endless opportunities for students at these amazing NC HBCUs! This is just the beginning! Livingstone College Johnson C. Smith University - JCSU Winston-Salem State University Elizabeth City State University Fayetteville State University ?? : Megan Foster

With help from Duke Energy and other corporate sponsors, E2D - Eliminate the Digital Divide has distributed at least 48,000 computers to students in need of a device. A recent Duke Energy pledge will send more than 16,000 laptops over three years to 10 historically Black colleges and universities across North Carolina. Last week, volunteers handed out laptops to 225 first year and transfer students at Johnson C. Smith University. Read more on how this program is working to bridge the digital divide. https://spr.ly/6042o85Ti