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Program brings technology to students without computers

By Elsa Gillis
By Elsa Gillis

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tucked behind West Charlotte High School is a trailer with students hard at work, but they're not there for school. It's a job.

They're repurposing old laptops by wiping the computers, fixing any problems, re-licensing the software and getting them ready for thousands of their peers, who don't have access to laptops or internet at home.

"The need for laptops is incredible. There are probably another 20,000 families within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools that don't have access to a laptop at home," said Pat Millen, president/ co-founder of the E2D program.

The E2D program is also known as Eliminate the Digital Divide, which provides laptops to more than 4,000 CMS families.

In the past year, the nonprofit has opened a Re-Image CLT lab at West Charlotte High School and one at Garinger High School.  E2D is opening another lab in January at South Mecklenburg High School. The goal is to open an additional 12 across the community in 2018.

"These kids are learning skills that they can translate into future jobs," Millen said.

They're also getting paid twice the minimum wage.

"This is an important job that has to be done with perfect precision, so we hire the best and pay them more money than what most people in their family make," he said.

It's become a competitive job to get but the students said what makes it so special is the difference it's making.

"With my peers, you know, we all have the same assignments online, and sometimes they'll say, 'I don't have internet at home. I don't know what to do.'  Well, that was before E2D and now after E2D, they're like, 'Now I can do my work.' Seeing that in person, like having it be so close to you, like your peers, it really is close to my heart," student Infinity Jones said.

"The world is changing so everywhere around you, there is technology," said Tracy Reynolds, a fellow Re-Image CLT lab employee and CMS student.

"It just feels good to be a part of something good, something inspiring," said Kalijah Jones, a Re-Image CLT lab employee and CMS graduate.

More than 30 companies have helped fuel the program by donating old laptops.

The nonprofit works with CMS and community partners to provide internet, as well.

E2D is always looking for more laptops, volunteers or funding. They said it costs $150 to repurpose the laptops, but they charge recipients only $50.

For information on getting involved, you can visit the website.

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