Johnson C. Smith University to Give Away More Than 400 Laptops to New Students | WFAE 90.7

Johnson C. Smith University plans to hand out more than 400 laptops to new students on Monday in an effort to improve their academic performance.

The university plans to hand out hundreds of laptops to first-year and transfer students, part of the Charlotte Inclusive Tech-Innovation Pilot, which was funded by a nearly $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

JCSU’s John A. Oliver is overseeing the initiative and said the laptops will have a significant impact on students who cannot afford computers.

“Removing that barrier, that obstacle, will definitely lead to higher retention rates,” Oliver said. “We definitely believe that will lead to high attendance and completion, and better academic outcomes.”

E2D, short for Eliminate the Digital Divide, helps provide refurbished laptops. JCSU used a U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration grant to conduct technology upgrades on campus, including moving the campus network from 2G to 5G.

The university also used the grant to help residents of neighborhoods near the university gain access to affordable internet services.