Apparo has been proud to partner with E2D since 2017.
E2D or “Eliminate the Digital Divide” works to provide equal access to technology to all Charlotte-area students and provide tech skills and education to those working in their computer labs as student computer technicians. Apparo has been proud to partner with E2D twice this year and help further their mission to provide better opportunities for upward mobility for as many student lives as possible. Through E2D’s Re-Image CLT program, they positively transform student lives to help them obtain the tech skills necessary to perform successfully in the 21st Century Classroom and, ultimately, to advance to become 21st Century employees for the modern day workforce.
E2D Computer Labs train and employ Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students as computer technicians to refurbish and re-image decommissioned corporate laptops for those in need. After paid training, they earn twice minimum wage ($15/hour) for the work they perform. The IT workforce skills they acquire immediately qualify them for substantial entry-level technology jobs upon graduation. As Pat Millen, Founder and President of E2D shares, “Now, local corporations are beating a path to our Lab Doors to try to hire our graduating workers to work for them full-time… it is the greatest way for a lot of these kids to get out of poverty.”
This year, Apparo has helped keep these Student Lab Techs busy preparing:
- 20 new computers for nonprofits participating in our 2-year accelerator, G.A.I.N. – powered by Lowe’s (February 11, 2021.) See photos from the G.A.I.N. laptop configuration day at E2D.
- 100 used computers, generously donated by Compass Group, which are being donated to many of our nonprofit partners (January 22, 2021)
