Pratt Library Collaborates With Dell Technologies, Bringing Digital Access To Baltimore Community

Dell Technologies Donates Laptops to Students

March 23, 2022

Baltimore, MD – The Enoch Pratt Free Library is proud to announce a generous donation from Dell Technologies of Chromebook devices. The devices will be given to students, preschool through 12th grade, that are a part of Pratt Library programs. The donation was made possible through a partnership with the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition. The first distribution of devices will happen on Saturday, March 26th where selected families from partner Head Starts and Charter schools will come to the Orleans St. branch for a digital training course that will teach parents and students how to use these devices.

WHAT: Dell Chromebook Distribution

WHO: INVITED Families from Head Starts and other partner organizations

WHEN: Saturday, March 26, 12 pm, EST

WHERE: Orleans St. Branch, 1303 Orleans St.

VISUALS: Media can get video & pictures of children and families receiving devices and getting digital training from library staff. Media must receive parental permission to record children under the age of 18.

“At Dell Technologies, we are committed to driving digital inclusion and believe everyone should have equitable access to opportunities for the future,” said Jamila Cowan, Director of Global Community Engagement, Dell Technologies. “We recognize that the challenges facing each community are different and appreciate the value of creating an ecosystem across the community committed to enable digital inclusion. We are excited to collaborate with the Pratt Library and the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition to drive technological inclusion and bridge the digital divide in Baltimore.”

“We are so thankful to Dell Technologies and the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition for their support,” says Pratt Library President & CEO Heidi Daniel. “The Pratt is proud to be a leader in digital equity in Maryland and this donation is just one way we are helping bridge the digital divide in our community.”

The Pratt Library will develop a digital training program for children, teens, and families throughout the city at several library branches. Students in the program will learn how to use the device and access library services including free online tutoring. At the completion of the program, students will be given their own Chromebook. Pratt outreach specialists will conduct similar digital trainings outside of the library in partnership with several organizations including More Than a Shop.

“Technology is critical to everyone’s success in the 21st century. The Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition is thankful to Dell Technologies’ commitment to closing the digital divide and by investing in our communities. And we are proud of our partner and member, the Enoch Pratt Free Library, for being a leading entity in providing digital literacy skills to Baltimoreans,” says Cody Dorsey, Executive Director of the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition. “This partnership will not only assist in closing the digital divide in our City, but also the gap that has divided so many of our people from opportunity.”

For more information, visit prattlibrary.org/dell-chromebooks.