NMHU/Technology Connected Communities Collaboration Provides 43 Laptops
Las Vegas, NM – January 18, 2024 – The Technology Connected Communities (TCC) presented free laptops to 43 NMHU students this past Thursday. Organized in collaboration with New Mexico Highlands University, the event supported eligible students who were recipients of a Pell Grant, over the age of 18, and able to demonstrate their need for a new laptop.
The distribution took place at Donnelly Library on the Main Campus of New Mexico Highlands University, and it was the second laptop distribution event from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration-Connecting Minority Communities (NTIA-CMC) Project, which provides much-needed technology to the northern New Mexico community in efforts to bridge the digital divide. The laptop distribution is funded by grant money received from the NTIA-CMC project, designed to benefit minority-serving higher learning institutions.
TCC Community Outreach Coordinator Casandra Medina and Melissa Morrow, the Open Educational Resources (OER) and Outreach Librarian from NMHU’s Donnelly Library, spearheaded the event. The collaboration with New Mexico Highlands University allowed for a seamless distribution process and ensured that the laptops reached those who needed them the most.
Marthann Schulte, Project Director for the TCC, stated, “We know that the people who have the greatest need are often the ones who are most reluctant to step forward. It is very important that we are mindful that our project provides what is needed without making people uncomfortable.”
Following the success of previous events, plans are already underway for future distributions, potentially for February and April at the Las Vegas Highlands campus. Other possibilities include a laptop distribution to recent high school graduates who are over the age of 18.
The NTIA-CMC Project and New Mexico Highlands University are committed to strengthen digital outreach to underserved populations in Northern New Mexico and ensure that all students have equal opportunities for success and connection.