Drexel is collecting computers to refurbish for the community.
Nearly 15,000 Philadelphia students do not own a computer and some 21,500 do not have internet access, according to Census data.
That’s why Drexel’s Expressive and Creative Interaction Technologies (ExCITe) Center joined a network of citywide organizations to help ensure all Philadelphians have access to the devices and bandwidth they need to learn and work remotely during the pandemic.
With grants of $30,000 from a Philadelphia Digital Literacy Alliance initiative, Drexel will be one of three partners to provide support for access to low-cost internet options, wireless device connectivity, and computer equipment for people in need.
The ExCITe Center’s partners in this effort include the Community Learning Center and SEAMAAC.
At Drexel, the funding enables the Information Technology department and the ExCITe Center to collect and refurbish used computers to be distributed to community members through partner organizations with Drexel’s Promise Neighborhood program. In addition, experts from the ExCITe Center are available for technological support and training.
It also funds community partners to assist residents via phone and text message with general computing support, School District of Philadelphia laptops and software, and additional resources such as kindergarten registration and online learning and enrichment.