Download the press release here.
Columbus, Ohio —The Columbus Partnership’s innovation lab, Smart Columbus, joined I Know I Can and partners from ConnectUS to mark the distribution of devices supporting Columbus Promise students. Through the ConnectUS Device Donation Program, retired corporate technology is collected, securely refurbished and redistributed through community partners to Franklin County residents and nonprofit organizations that need it most.
The event highlighted one part of that broader effort, helping provide reliable laptops to eligible Columbus Promise students as they prepare for college coursework, communication and day-to-day academic responsibilities.
Columbus Promise helps Columbus City Schools graduates pursue higher education after high school, and approximately 800 students enter the program each year. For many of those students, access to a reliable computer can be a barrier as they prepare for college coursework, communication and day-to-day academic responsibilities.
“ConnectUS shows what is possible when the public, private and nonprofit sectors work together to remove barriers for our residents,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “For Columbus Promise students, a reliable laptop is a way to stay connected, keep moving toward a degree and begin building a future in the city that is investing in them.”
110,000 Franklin County households do not own a laptop, desktop, tablet, or other type of computing device, creating barriers to education, employment and essential services. ConnectUS was created to help close that gap and has set a goal of providing 20,000 computing devices to underserved families by the end of 2027.
“For many students, having access to a reliable laptop helps them transition from high school to college with confidence,” said David Harrison, president of Columbus State Community College. “That technology is now a basic part of participating fully in college, from coursework and communication to accessing support. Efforts like this help remove a barrier that can otherwise make that transition harder than it needs to be. We’re very grateful to all of the ConnectUs partners and I Know I Can for making this happen.”
I Know I Can will work directly with students and families to identify need and distribute the devices, helping ensure Columbus Promise students have access to the technology they need as they prepare for college and career pathways.
“Every student deserves to begin college with the tools they need to learn, connect and thrive,” said Katina Fullen, CEO of I Know I Can. “This partnership reflects our community’s commitment to student success and helps ensure Columbus Promise students can focus on achieving their goals from day one.”
“This is economic development at a very practical level: getting more computer devices into the hands of people who need access to greater opportunity,” said Jason Hall, CEO of the Columbus Partnership. “As our economy transforms, we need more residents connected to education, training and career pathways that prepare them for the jobs we are working to create in our community. By turning donated devices from the business community, we are helping expand the public-private partnership we started with the public sector. That’s the Columbus Way in action.”
The ConnectUS Device Donation Program is made possible through a growing network of public, private and philanthropic partners committed to closing the digital divide in Franklin County. Devices distributed so far have been donated by CAS, Huntington, The Columbus Foundation, Grange Insurance, PNC, Bread Financial, SWACO and Franklin County. The broader effort also relies on partners that help collect, refurbish and deliver devices so they can reach residents and students who need them most.
“Having my own laptop means I’ll be able to do my schoolwork, keep up with assignments and emails, and stay organized once classes begin,” said Jazmin Jarrett, senior at Walnut Ridge High School and incoming Columbus Promise Scholar. “It gives me the tool I need to feel prepared for college and more confident about taking this next step.”
Companies and organizations interested in donating retired laptops or tablets to support the ConnectUS Device Donation Program can access the website, connectcentralohio.com, for more information.
###
About the Columbus Partnership
The Columbus Partnership brings together civic-minded business leaders to advance a shared vision to make Columbus the most prosperous region in the country. Columbus Partnership member CEOs are committed to the future of the Columbus metropolitan area through high-impact civic and philanthropic engagement. Through our One Columbus and Smart Columbus brands and investor support, our team works to help create jobs and attract capital investment, expand access to opportunity, and improve the economic competitiveness of the Columbus Region. Learn more at columbusregion.com.
About ConnectUS
ConnectUS unites over 60 organizations to comprehensively close the divide by equipping underserved residents with the devices, skills and internet connectivity needed to thrive in the digital age. This collaborative work is made possible through a substantial $20.2 million multi-year investment from Franklin County and the City of Columbus, supporting the implementation of strategies outlined in the 2022 Digital Equity Action Agenda. ConnectUS is facilitated by Smart Columbus, the Columbus Partnerships innovation team. Learn more at connectcentralohio.com.
About I Know I Can
Celebrating 38 years of service, I Know I Can supports more than 20,000 students each year in Columbus City Schools, Reynoldsburg City Schools, South Western City Schools, and Whitehall City Schools as they pursue their college and career dreams. The organization provides early awareness programming that connects students’ aspirations with education plans and delivers direct advising in high schools to help juniors and seniors complete critical steps like college and scholarship applications, financial aid forms, and resumes. Advisors also guide students through career exploration and connect them to resources that prepare them for postsecondary success. Each year, the organization awards more than $1.9 million in grants and scholarships to help remove financial barriers to higher education. At every step, I Know I Can fulfills its promise: Dream Big. Work Hard. We’ll Help. Learn more at
www.iknowican.org or follow @iknowican88 on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.