Ramapo College Will Give Laptops To Students Who Need One

Mahwah NJ

10 November, 2021

10:32 AM

Description

MAHWAH, NJ — A laptop has never been more important for college students, but they're far from cheap. A new partnership between Ramapo College and Montclair non-profit Laptop Upcycle is seeking to help students with that cost. Laptop Upcycle @ Ramapo is a partnership between the College and Laptop Upcycle, a division of the Montclair, N.J.-based not-for-profit organization HackNCraft NJ, Inc. that repairs and refurbishes unwanted laptops for distribution among students who otherwise do not have access to computers for their schoolwork. Keep up to date with what's happening in your community by subscribing to your local Patch newsletter here. The Laptop Upcycle @ Ramapo program, which is supported by a grant from the Ramapo College Foundation and is set to launch in mid-November through a donation drive, will solicit donations of used working laptops. Once the Ramapo location has amassed sufficient inventory, students who meet program eligibility criteria will be able to apply to receive and keep a repaired or refurbished laptop free of charge. "Consistent access to technology is crucial to a college student's success, and we, at Ramapo College, are committed to supporting our students from the first day they step foot on campus through their graduation and beyond," said Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Susan Gaulden. "We are truly excited about and committed to our partnership with Laptop Upcycle, as the initiative will ensure our students are able to secure the technology they need in order to have the best possible academic experience and greatest chance of academic success." Laptop Upcycle was formed in 2016 by a team of individuals who, to date, have collected and distributed more than 1,000 refurbished laptops to middle and high school students in Montclair. "We are thrilled about the expansion of Laptop Upcycle to Ramapo College. Not only does it further our mission to close the digital divide, teach more students about computer repairs, and keep computers out of the landfills, but it now engages college students who have similar needs to high schoolers," said Strategic Director and Intern Coordinator Mike Brown. "Our hope is that Ramapo College becomes the first of many Laptop Upcycle community programs. We encourage local individuals, organizations, and corporations to support Ramapo and local students by donating surplus laptops."