Hundreds of laptops given to RPS students to bridge the ‘digital divide’

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Local students received free laptops at a Richmond high school on Thursday.

Hundreds of refurbished laptops were gifted to seniors at Armstrong High School as part of an effort to make the internet more accessible and affordable. The donation was made through a partnership between the Richmond Ed Fund, Human I-T and AT&T.

The partners said U.S. Census Bureau data shows millions nationwide still don't have access to the internet or connected devices. Armstrong's principal said that's an issue she has seen firsthand in their student population.

"For our students, a laptop means access," Principal Kelly Carter said. "Sometimes, there are opportunities that our students may not be able to access because they don't have the appropriate technology, monies, funding. Sometimes it's really challenging for them."

One of the seniors to receive a laptop was Kellice Banks. She said the gift is arriving at a pivotal time.

"Being able to utilize it now will help us so much in getting that fresh step to out futures and whatever we want to do," Banks said. "So many of us want to be entrepreneur[s] or branch off into untraditional spaces. Having the technology to get us there is... it's filling me with hope."

Carter said some students may have access to technology at school, but that access doesn't continue at home. The donation changes that.

"To have a laptop, to be able to complete those college applications, there are things now that can happen after 4 p.m." Carter said.

Attendees of the event included Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan and RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras.

Banks said the participation from the Richmond community is encouraging.

"It shows us that you guys truly believe in us," Banks said. "That you guys truly want us to succeed. And hopefully, it will encourage me and more of my seniors to want to ask for help."