Ramapo Partners with Non-Profit to Provide Laptops to Students in Need

by Angela Daidone  |  Winter 2022

Ramapo College is embarking on a new initiative that will eliminate obstacles faced by its students who lack the necessary technology to be successful in their academic efforts.

Laptop Upcycle @ Ramapo is a partnership between the College and Laptop Upcycle, a division of the Montclair, N.J.-based not-for-profit organization HackNCraft NJ, Inc. that repairs and refurbishes unwanted laptops for distribution among students who otherwise do not have access to computers for their schoolwork.

The Laptop Upcycle @ Ramapo program is supported by a grant from the Ramapo College Foundation and launched in mid-November through a donation drive, which solicited donations of used working laptops. Students who meet program eligibility criteria will be able to apply to receive and keep a repaired or refurbished laptop free of charge.

The entire Laptop Upcycle @ Ramapo initiative is student-oriented and student-driven. Several Social Work students are helping organize much of the day-to-day operations of the program, and trained Student Assistants will perform the repairs/refurbishments.

Laptop Upcycle was formed in 2016 by a team of individuals who, to date, have collected and distributed more than 1,000 refurbished laptops to middle and high school students in Montclair. Laptop Upcycle’s mission is to eliminate technology impediments as a part of the achievement gap.​ Ramapo College’s mission includes promoting diversity, inclusiveness, sustainability, student engagement, and community involvement, which makes this particular partnership well-aligned. Ultimately, the Laptop Upcycle @ Ramapo program is a commitment to providing, through student engagement and community involvement, long-term and sustainable technology access solutions to Ramapo College students that will help these students achieve their goal of obtaining a college degree.