Member Spotlight: E2D + Kramden Institute
Did you know that 328,000 households in North Carolina do not own a computer that allows them to fully participate in our digital society and economy? As daunting as that sounds we are working to shrink that number to zero. E2D-Eliminate the Digital Divide and the Kramden Institute, both NC TECH members, have refurbished and redistributed to students and families in need more than 100,000 retired computers donated from companies, large and small, schools and local governments.
Our model is simple: Through partnerships with companies like Bank of America and Duke Energy, we collect retiring computers (we’ll even pick up for free), refurbish them, and then offer them to families and students in need.
And here's the kicker – E2D empowers high school students by training and paying them twice minimum wage to refurbish these devices, while Kramden uses hundreds of volunteers and an eco-friendly recycling service that reduces the volume of electronics in our landfills.
What problem(s) are you currently solving for your customers?
Our goal this year is to source 50,000 retiring laptops and desktops from corporations, local governments and educational institutions for refurbishment and redistribution. We'd love an opportunity to provide additional details about our campaign and the ways you may be able to help.
Tell us about some future plans for your organization.
Recently, we received a grant from the NC Department of Information Technology’s Office of Digital Equity and Literacy to expand our reach and impact statewide. This includes working with rural communities and teaching local leaders in the east and the west how to establish their own refurbishment programs. We have one big problem: We need more computers.Our model is simple: Through partnerships with companies like Bank of America and Duke Energy, we collect retiring computers (we’ll even pick up for free), refurbish them, and then offer them to families and students in need.
Why is North Carolina a great place to do business?
NC businesses are enthusiastic supporters of organizations and philanthropies that are working to close the digital divide to ensure everyone can fully participate in our society and economy.
How can NC TECH members get involved with your company?
Please reach out to Pat Millen, pat@e-2-d.org, or Cyndy Yu-Robinson, cyurobinson@kramden.org to schedule a time to meet.
Interested in submitting a piece for the NC TECH blog?
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