The shift towards distance learning in Washington, D.C., at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 drew nationwide attention to the digital divide for those in low-income communities.

According to the Mayor's Office, Wards 5, 7, and 8 are highly disadvantaged, with less than 65% of households having access to broadband internet and computer hardware. This lack of access impacts the students who are expected to complete 97% of their homework online, even pre-quarantine. Still, it also affects adults looking for employment opportunities, health-related information, government services, and much more. 

We're back at it with our Annual Laptops and Hotspots Drive! In the past 4 years, we've been able to provide 40 laptops for students at Ballou Senior High School, Friendship Southeast Elementary School and our partner organization, Youth Guidance.

BeGreatDC wants to provide aid to this digital gap by raising enough funds to provide 50 laptops to students in Ward 5, 7, and 8. We're seeking donors interested in supporting this campaign to help increase digital access for communities in need.  Learn more about closing DC's Digital Divide here.

Our donor campaign will run until May 31st, as we would like to be ready to equip students ahead of heading home for the summer.