As the morning bells rang at Lincoln Park Middle School, excited students watched members of Tech United and volunteers from Comerica Bank unload a generous donation of 261 new computers, thanks to the generosity of Comerica.
“It’s way easier to do and submit assignments on the Chromebooks,” said Arath, an eighth-grade student at the school. “It’s really a relief that the sixth graders can use these computers, instead of just having to borrow one.
“They get their own computer, and they get their education.”
Tech United is a collaborative group of local chief information officers and IT professionals dedicated to closing the digital divide. Through partnership, Tech United aims for local students to access technology on a one-to-one student to device ratio, distributing over 2,500 devices since its inception.
“When I started this venture two and a half years ago, the important thing to me was the one-to-one ratio between computers and students,” said Bart Balcerzak, senior vice president of enterprise services at Comerica Bank. “It’s different when you have your own computer rather than going to an hour-long class to learn about it.
“It’s really important students take their computer home and embrace it by using it for their own purposes.”
When devices are available, sixth grade students in Lincoln Park schools hold onto the same laptop until 12th grade. Chromebook Inventory Clerk and Lincoln Park parent, Sam Tucker, is happy to see collaboration between organizations benefiting students.
“I have two kids at Lincoln Park schools, and to see the district and everyone working so closely to support the students, it’s a sign of great staff, great leadership and great functionality,” said Sam. “Access to computers gives the students the opportunity to build a foundation in tech and get started early enough to feel comfortable.”
In Lincoln Park, 54% of families live below the ALICE threshold, meaning they struggle to make ends meet. For families prioritizing food, housing and transportation, a personal computer can be an impossible expense.
“We are operating in a low-income city, so the new devices help a lot,” continued Sam. “We run into instances where computers break, and families can’t afford to fix them; it really helps to be able to replace old or broken devices with new ones.”
With 401 devices already distributed this year, Tech United is nearly halfway to their goal of distributing 1,000 devices this year. It’s not just devices, the group has also helped to install STEM Labs and Makerspaces equipped with hands-on tools for learning and growth at three schools.
Thanks to a partnership with Ilitch Holdings Inc. and Little Caesars, students had an opportunity to explore real-world technology applications during STEM Learning Journeys at Comerica Park and Little Caesar’s Global Headquarters.
“Technology isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for learning and working,” said Ashleigh Imerman, chief philanthropy officer at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “No student should be left behind because they don’t have access to the tools that they need to reach their full potential.”
Interested in increasing students’ opportunities in STEM? Click here to see sponsorship opportunities for STEMPossible, a fall event where local students experience STEM careers at the Michigan Science Center.
