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Kramden Institute Forges Ahead to Bridge the Digital Divide – More than 100 Students from North Carolina Schools to Receive Free Computers
Posted: 04-23-2008 : RALEIGH, N.C.
At the award ceremony on April 26, Kramden Institute will donate over 100 computers to students from more than two dozen North Carolina schools. The event will be supported by 35 volunteers who will provide training to students receiving free computers.
Research Triangle Park, NC – Kramden Institute, Inc., will hold an award day on April 26 and give away more than 100 computers to less-advantaged students who currently lack in-home computer systems. The students have been nominated by their teachers to receive the computers. Students from more than two dozen schools will participate including, Cary High, East Wake School of Health Science, Fayetteville Street Lab, Garner Magnet High, Garner Middle, Sanderson High, Gibbons Middle, Bethesda Elementary, Davis Drive Elementary, Enloe High, Aversboro, CW Standford Middle, Daniels Middle, Northern Middle, Reedy Creek Middle, Creekside Elementary, Hillside High, Person High, Northwoods Elementary, Durham School of Arts, Lincoln Heights, Dillard Drive Elementary, Longview Middle, and Moore Square Middle.
“The response to this award day has been overwhelming” said Mark D. Dibner, Executive Director who founded Kramden along with his son Ned over four years ago. “Kramden’s program has grown to a point where the schools are eager to assist in identifying recipients for our program. The interest from teachers to nominate students to become ‘Kramden Scholars’ was so strong that we now have a wait list of over 200 additional students in need of computers,” explained Dibner. To meet the growing demand, Kramden is already in the process of scheduling its next award day and continues working diligently to obtain the support needed to help fund these efforts.
As Kramden forges ahead with its mission to bridge the digital divide for hard working students in need, its partnership with North Carolina schools is a key aspect of its program. Teachers really appreciate the opportunity that Kramden provides for their students. Jean Prince, a fifth grade teacher from Davis Drive Elementary School, expressed that she was “thrilled” to learn about the award day and that she nominated two students to receive computers because “they would both benefit academically and… receive 21st century skills needed for today's society.” Another teacher who previously worked with Kramden to connect 15 of his students with computers is Michael Shumake, an English teacher from Raleigh. According to Shumake, “I'm with these 15 kids in the classroom every day, and the learning I've seen take place as a result of Kramden's generosity is heartening.” In fact, he is so enthusiastic about the value of Kramden’s programs that he has recently signed on as Kramden’s volunteer Director of Education.
The event will be supported by approximately 35 volunteers – including students from NCSU and individuals from the Triangle area who routinely assist Kramden. Volunteers will work two shifts to manage logistics and demonstrate to students how to set up and use their computers.
Since the inception of its programs in 2003, over 2,100 computers have been donated to students throughout the Triangle and North Carolina who need a computer at home to facilitate their studies. Kramden’s mission is to bridge the digital divide and support students nationwide in achieving their full academic potential.
As a 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable organization, Kramden relies on the contributions of its volunteers and the donations it receives from individual and corporate sponsors. Kramden wishes to acknowledge the generous donation of its sponsors including Lenovo, LabCorp, and the Society for Information Managers, as well as other contributions that make this event possible.
About the Award Day Event
The Award Day will be held Saturday April 26, at Kramden Institute’s headquarters in Durham, NC beginning at 9:00 in the morning. About 35 volunteers will help make the donations to the students and their families. To learn more, contact Kramden at 919.638.6200 or find information on Kramden Institute’s website at www.kramden.org.
About Kramden: Inspire. Encourage. Educate. Recycle
Kramden Institute, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable institution whose mission is to bridge the digital divide for students who work hard in school but who cannot afford a home computer. Kramden recycles and refurbishes computers to donate to students, assisting their education and inspiring them to work harder, while helping the environment. The refurbishing activities are achieved through volunteer efforts including weekend-long events, known as Geek-A-Thons®. To date, Kramden has donated over 2,100 computers to students in seven North Carolina counties and others in need including, military families, children with autism, Katrina victims, and students from the Governor Morehead School for the Blind. Kramden’s success depends on its 800 volunteers and sponsorships and contributions from the community.
Contact: Elizabeth Davis
Kramden Institute, Inc.
Phone: 919.638.6200
E-mail: edavis@kramden.org
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