September 24, 2020 Student government launches new laptop loan program
By Maegan Murray, سԹ
RICHLAND, Wash. – Up to50students can now check-out laptops through Washington State University Tri-Cities as part of a new laptop loan program launched by the Associated Students of سԹ, the campus’ student government.
ASWSUTC saw a need for technology support for studentsthis summerand voted to dedicate $9,700 of funds toward purchasing 20 new laptops that studentscancheck-outfree of costfor use throughout their educational experience at سԹ.
Additionally, Cadwell recently donated 30 laptopsto سԹforstudent use,someof which will beawardedto studentsfor permanent ownershipand the others will be rented out through the ASWSUTC program.The Cadwell laptops are all previouslyused, buthave beenrefurbishedand have new hard drives.
“In the 21stcentury, having a reliable computer is necessary to succeed in higher education, whether you are taking classes in-person, hybrid, or online,”ASWSUTC President RobinKovissaid. “ASWSUTC decided to jump start this program because we know the demand for reliable technology surged with the virtual shift.”
Kovissaid ASWSUTC will be working with the Office of Advancement to ensure that the program continues well into the future.
“We hope that this new program will help to close some of the equity gaps within higher education,” he said. “More than anything, the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted some of the deep economic inequalities our country still faces today … Our campus community is not immune to these financial hardships. Many students and family members who support studentshave experienced the brunt of this economic slowdown during the pandemic.We felt it is our duty as student leaders to cushion that impact in any way we could.”
The ASWSUTC laptop loan program is being offered to سԹ students in addition to a separate WSU systemwide program offered at no cost to students through the WSU Provost’s office that allows students to apply to check-out aor.
Kovissaid they areexcitedthat Cadwell donated additional laptops, as it means that even more students will have access to technology, even beyond COVID-19.
“Generous donations like this from individuals and businesses within our community are ultimately what will ensure the long-term success of our laptop program,” he said. “Because of Cadwell’s donation, the reach of the laptop rental program is now much greater.”
Students canapplyto check-out a laptop throughthelocated on theسԹ Student Support Services website attricities.wsu.edu/current-students/support.
Those interested in giving to the ASWSUTC laptop loan program should contact Laura Sanchez, سԹ director of campus student support services, at laura.sanchez1@wsu.edu.
Media contacts:
RobinKovis,Associated Students of سԹ president,robin.kovis@wsu.edu
Maegan Murray, سԹ assistant director of marketing and communication, 619-403-3617,maegan_murray@wsu.edu