As the new academic year begins, incoming freshmen at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) are receiving more than just a warm reception – they're being provided with a key resource for their academic journey. On September 9, Duke Energy volunteers distributed laptops to 225 students who arrived without one.
This initiative stems from a collaboration with E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide), a nonprofit based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that refurbishes donated laptops in student-run technology labs and gives them to those in need. Since 2013, E2D has provided over 48,000 computers with support from Duke Energy and other corporate partners. Duke Energy's recent pledge to donate more than 16,000 laptops over the next three years will help E2D continue narrowing the gap between students with and without access to computers. These laptops will be distributed to ten historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) throughout North Carolina.
"E2D will be able to reach more people across the state thanks to Duke Energy's commitment to donating laptops and volunteer hours," said Pat Millen, President of E2D.
Closing the digital divide is critical because students without laptops face significant disadvantages, such as limited access to online resources and a lack of flexibility in their study environments. This can increase stress and negatively impact their academic outcomes. John Oliver, Ph.D., project manager of JCSU’s Charlotte Inclusive Tech-Innovation Project (CITIP), noted that receiving a laptop can make an immediate and profound difference for students. "The joy on their faces says it all. Many students express surprise and gratitude that someone would provide them with such an important resource," he said.
Duke Energy's involvement with E2D began five years ago when Dominique Johnson, Vice President of the Duke Energy Foundation, connected with Millen at a Charlotte event. She was inspired by E2D's mission, which aligns with the Foundation’s focus on economic mobility and STEM education. Johnson and Mark Cook, Duke Energy's Managing Director of IT Infrastructure, played pivotal roles in securing internal support for the donation of more than 16,000 laptops.
The importance of this initiative was highlighted in 2023, when over a third of JCSU’s students arrived on campus without personal laptops. Within three weeks, E2D identified those in need and distributed the necessary laptops to ensure these students had the tools to succeed. A subsequent survey across other HBCUs revealed that many faced similar challenges, prompting Duke Energy to expand its support.
This effort is part of Duke Energy's broader mission to promote economic mobility, climate resilience, and inclusion. It also aligns with the City of Charlotte’s 2021 Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative, a $250 million program aimed at addressing systemic inequities, including the digital divide. In addition to laptops, E2D provides workforce opportunities by hiring students from Title I high schools to refurbish the computers, equipping them with valuable tech skills and paid employment.
Millen hopes Duke Energy's leadership in this area will inspire other corporations to join the cause. "Duke is setting a new benchmark for corporate responsibility in North Carolina," he said. Looking to the future, Millen remains hopeful: "The goal is for everyone in need of a computer to have one, and this is not just a dream. It's something we can achieve within the next five to ten years. Each computer has the potential to change someone’s life."
This initiative stems from a collaboration with E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide), a nonprofit based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that refurbishes donated laptops in student-run technology labs and gives them to those in need. Since 2013, E2D has provided over 48,000 computers with support from Duke Energy and other corporate partners. Duke Energy's recent pledge to donate more than 16,000 laptops over the next three years will help E2D continue narrowing the gap between students with and without access to computers. These laptops will be distributed to ten historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) throughout North Carolina.
"E2D will be able to reach more people across the state thanks to Duke Energy's commitment to donating laptops and volunteer hours," said Pat Millen, President of E2D.
Closing the digital divide is critical because students without laptops face significant disadvantages, such as limited access to online resources and a lack of flexibility in their study environments. This can increase stress and negatively impact their academic outcomes. John Oliver, Ph.D., project manager of JCSU’s Charlotte Inclusive Tech-Innovation Project (CITIP), noted that receiving a laptop can make an immediate and profound difference for students. "The joy on their faces says it all. Many students express surprise and gratitude that someone would provide them with such an important resource," he said.
Duke Energy's involvement with E2D began five years ago when Dominique Johnson, Vice President of the Duke Energy Foundation, connected with Millen at a Charlotte event. She was inspired by E2D's mission, which aligns with the Foundation’s focus on economic mobility and STEM education. Johnson and Mark Cook, Duke Energy's Managing Director of IT Infrastructure, played pivotal roles in securing internal support for the donation of more than 16,000 laptops.
The importance of this initiative was highlighted in 2023, when over a third of JCSU’s students arrived on campus without personal laptops. Within three weeks, E2D identified those in need and distributed the necessary laptops to ensure these students had the tools to succeed. A subsequent survey across other HBCUs revealed that many faced similar challenges, prompting Duke Energy to expand its support.
This effort is part of Duke Energy's broader mission to promote economic mobility, climate resilience, and inclusion. It also aligns with the City of Charlotte’s 2021 Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative, a $250 million program aimed at addressing systemic inequities, including the digital divide. In addition to laptops, E2D provides workforce opportunities by hiring students from Title I high schools to refurbish the computers, equipping them with valuable tech skills and paid employment.
Millen hopes Duke Energy's leadership in this area will inspire other corporations to join the cause. "Duke is setting a new benchmark for corporate responsibility in North Carolina," he said. Looking to the future, Millen remains hopeful: "The goal is for everyone in need of a computer to have one, and this is not just a dream. It's something we can achieve within the next five to ten years. Each computer has the potential to change someone’s life."
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