Bentworth and McGuffey COVID Relief for Elementary Schools

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many elementary students into online learning from home. However, during the pandemic, not all families have had access to an at-home computer and broadband internet. Recognizing this need, Computer Reach partnered with The EQT Foundation, Crown Castle, and Leech Tishman Fuscaldo Lampl to distribute laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots to families.

Distribution Details

The devices were distributed to elementary school students in the Bentworth and McGuffey School Districts. During the distribution, all families were required to wear masks and remain in their cars at all times. All costs for the laptops, WiFi hotspots, internet access, and technical support have been covered at no cost to families thanks to the generous contributions of our collaboration partners.

Families are able to keep the laptops indefinitely, as long as the computer stays in the family. Additionally, families are able to keep the Wi-Fi hotspots at no cost for one full year. Computer Reach and our collaborative partners are currently working with the school districts and local foundations to secure funding for year two.

Award Details

Through the distribution, elementary school students and their families received:

- one Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Yoga 1st Gen,
- Sprint Educational Broadband Wi-Fi (one year of fully prepaid internet),
- and Computer Reach Support for one full year, including 24/7 phone support for laptop and Wi-Fi hardware and software.

Each Lenovo Thinkpad came pre-programmed with Zoom, Meet, Teams, and Skype. During the distribution, each family received a brief demonstration of how to utilize these applications.

Acknowledgments

Thank you very much to The EQT Foundation, Crown Castle, and Leech Tishman Fuscaldo Lampl for making this distribution possible. We look forward to our continued work together to bridge the digital divide in Pennsylvania.