CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 13, 2024): E2D - Eliminate the Digital Divide (E2D), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide, is proud to announce the awarding of 700 refurbished laptops to students from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) who will be attending four-year Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) this fall in an effort to empower these students to pursue their educational goals and achieve academic success.

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This significant donation – which totals about $500,000 – was made possible by corporate supporters, who share E2D’s vision of a digitally inclusive future, including AvidXchange, Duke Energy, EY, Honeywell, Google Fiber, Lowe’s TIAA and Truist. Students received the computers at a special ceremony at E2D’s Technology Lab at the AvidXchange on Thursday, June 13.

“This laptop donation initiative is a significant step toward bridging the digital divide. It underscores E2D’s and our corporate partners’ shared commitment to educational equity, ensuring that every student, regardless of socioeconomic, cultural, or educational background, has the technological resources necessary to thrive in college and beyond,” said E2D President and Co-Founder Pat Millen. “With this effort, which is part of Honeywell’s incredible initiative to donate 13,000 laptops over the next five years, we’re leveling the playing field for students and shaping their futures, allowing them to seize the opportunities of tomorrow’s digital world with confidence.” 

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HBCUs play a crucial role in the education and empowerment of Black communities, yet one out of three HBCU students are unable to continue past their first-year. One barrier students often cite as a major challenge at school is a lack of access to the proper technology to succeed in today’s tech-focused educational environment. 

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Olympic High School senior Aria McKinney, who will be attending North Carolina A&T State University, is one of the recipients. 

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“Receiving this laptop from E2D is a game-changer for me," said McKinney. "It means I can fully participate in my classes, conduct research and stay connected with my professors and peers. I am deeply grateful for E2D’s support, as well as their corporate partners who made this possible, as I start this new chapter.”

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This collaborative public-private effort highlights the power of community in addressing educational disparities and fostering a culture of support and opportunity.

“Honeywell remains committed to giving students the technology tools they need to succeed, with the goal of shaping a more equitable future,” said Angela Bhurji, vice president of information technology at Honeywell and E2D board member. “Through our multi-year partnership with E2D and this donation to students today, we’re working to empower students to thrive in college and helping to build and sustain a diverse workforce.”

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About Eliminate the Digital Divide (E2D)

E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide) is a nonprofit organization based in Charlotte, NC, focused on eliminating the digital divide by providing access to technology and digital literacy training to underserved students and families. Since its inception in 2013, E2D has distributed more than 48,000 refurbished laptops to students in need, fostering educational success and opportunity.

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