Hundreds of Nash Community College students received free laptops Wednesday, Oct. 28, as the college partnered with Eliminate the Digital Divide (E2D) to host the first and the largest laptop distribution in Nash County history.
The event, held in Brown Auditorium, drew an overwhelming response from students, with lines outside the building as individuals waited to receive a laptop. The initiative provided students with access to essential technology to support their academic success, removing a financial and technological barrier that can make pursuing higher education more challenging.
A total of 220 laptops were distributed during the event from a planned 350, marking a significant milestone in E2D’s efforts to expand digital access across North Carolina.
Each student received a free refurbished laptop equipped with licensed software and supported by a 90-day technical warranty. The devices will help students access course materials, complete assignments, conduct research, participate in online learning and communicate with instructors.
“This was an extraordinary day for NCC and, more importantly, for the hundreds of students who now have access to technology that can make a meaningful difference in their education,” said Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, president of NCC. “Days like this remind us why we do what we do. Through our partnership with E2D, we are removing barriers to student success. We are incredibly grateful to E2D and the Longleaf Fund for this historic investment in our students and community. The impact extends beyond the classroom, with the potential to transform not only a student’s future, but an entire family.”
The distribution was made possible through a partnership initiated and coordinated by Renee Martinez, NCC Executive Director of Advising Services, who established the college’s initial connection with E2D and led the planning and coordination of the event. Her efforts brought together the organizations and campus resources necessary to make the large-scale distribution possible.
“I sincerely thank Dr. Andrea Crowley, Executive Director of the North Carolina Student Success Center, for connecting us with Pat Millen and the E2D team. This partnership is about more than providing computers; it’s about expanding opportunities for our students and their families. Access to technology at home empowers students to succeed academically, pursue careers, and support their loved ones. We are grateful to E2D for choosing NCC and look forward to continuing this partnership to help transform even more lives.”
For many students, access to a dependable personal computer is essential to keeping pace with the demands of college. From completing online assignments and accessing learning platforms to preparing presentations and conducting research, technology plays a central role in the educational experience.
The strong student turnout underscored the need for initiatives that address digital access and affordability. By placing laptops directly into students’ hands at no cost, the event provided an immediate resource that students can continue using throughout their educational journeys.
E2D, a North Carolina-based nonprofit organization, works to eliminate the digital divide by providing access to affordable technology and digital skills for families and students. Through its computer refurbishment and distribution initiatives, the organization helps expand educational and economic opportunities across the state.
For NCC, the event reflects its continued commitment to meeting students where they are and connecting them with resources that support persistence, completion and long-term success.
For more information about Nash Community College, visit nashcc.edu. To learn more about Eliminate the Digital Divide, visit e-2-d.org.
