Cook County Higher Education (CCHE) has received 22 more laptops for Cook County residents, which brings the total number of distributed computers to 120. In early April, CCHE renewed its partnership with PCs for People in order to purchase the laptops. PCs for People is an organization headquartered in St. Paul that refurbishes computer hardware to sell to people that meet certain income guidelines. PCs for People also partners with non-profits to allow them to buy computers at a discounted rate.
Cook County Higher Education originally asked for ten laptop computers for students needing technology to complete their schoolwork on-line. After advertising the availability of these discounted laptops on the CCHE Facebook site, CCHE quickly realized that residents needed computers for activities other than schoolwork.
The demand was far greater than the original ten requested. PCs for People were able to increase the original request to 40 laptops. The demand has not slowed, and CCHE will continue to order laptops for distribution as long as there is a need. Applications continue to be received from a myriad of residents from Cook County. From teachers to students, from small business owners to older community members needing connection, laptops have been sold to people with lots of different stories.
Below is just one quote of many that were received from appreciative laptop recipients.
“It will help me with my job at Oshki Ogimaag. I will be able to do a lot of work from home, participate in zoom meetings, complete online trainings and also communicate amongst others. A computer allows me to work in a safe area and also pursue more employment or education opportunities once I’m done working for the summer.”
The price to CCHE for the refurbished laptops is $150-$180. CCHE is selling the computers for $150 each. There are no restrictions on who can purchase the devices. In addition, the Cook County Higher Education Board of Directors has contributed over $4,000 in scholarships for those individuals that need them – up to $100 per computer. CCHE also allows payment plans for people that desire to spread out their payments.
Boreal Community Media continues to provide much needed free technical support to those users needing help setting up their devices for communicating with friends, family and work. Boreal Community Media recently offered free technical help to the community at large with help setting up FaceTime, Google Hangout, Skype, Zoom, and Facebook Messenger. Services are provided by phone appointment only, there are no face-to-face appointments at this time.
CCHE will continue to provide laptops to any community members who need them. Anyone interested in purchasing a laptop should visit Cook County Higher Education’s website myCCHE.org, visit the COVID-19 page and complete an application.
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