Solving the “Digital Divide”

After checking with a couple of different principals, we’ve learned that, even in affluent communities like Apex and Holly Springs , some high school students do not have computers, nor do they have ready access to them. Such a lack puts these students at a significant disadvantage relative to their peers. Therefore, the Board of Directors of Holly Springs Rotary Club has authorized sponsoring and funding the following Community Service project:

A. Collect functionally obsolete computers and monitors that are being cast off by various businesses.

B. Refurbish these computers with new and/or used components to make them functionally appropriate for today’s computing environment:

·   Sufficient memory to run Windows XP Home Edition.
·   15” or larger color monitor
·   20 GB or larger Hard Drive
·   CD ROM drive (CD R/W Drive optional)
·   128 KB internal or external dial-up modem
·   Ink-jet printer & cables
·   Windows XP Home Edition, and software for spreadsheets, word processing,
photo editing and Internet browsing pre-loaded.

C. Sell the complete refurbished package to needy students for $100.00, with the sale proceeds used to purchase the new or used components needed to refurbish and upgrade the computers.

D. For those students who cannot afford even the $100, allow them to earn their computer by working on the assembling, program loading and testing of the computers being refurbished under this project. Give them credit at $7.00 per hour , and when they have worked 14 hours in refurbishing and packaging other computers, they will have earned their own computer.

E. This computer is not a “loaner.” The students acquiring a computer under this program will own the computer outright.

Solving the Digital Divide-Announcement.doc Page 2 12/30/2004

Our function as Rotarians would be to:

·   Arrange for the donation of obsolete computers and components.

·   Purchase components as needed that cannot be otherwise acquired.

·   Provide expert guidance in refurbishing and reassembly.

·   Provide or arrange for donated workspace for the refurbishing to be done.

·   Coordinate distribution of refurbished computers with school officials.

·   Account for monies paid and time worked towards payment for computers.

·   Supervise students working to earn their computer thru sweat equity.

I believe the benefits would be many fold:

·   Underprivileged students would have access to the tools they need to compete in today’s environment.

·   The useful life of functioning computers could be extended.

·   Students would gain expertise in building, testing and installing computer systems, a necessary survival skill in today’s world.

·   Many Rotarians could participate in this project, each contributing in his own area of influence and expertise.

·   Students would learn that the tools they need must be earned by their own effort, not just gotten for free.