Bronx students to receive computers through nonprofit initiative

As millions of kids are shuttered home nationwide without internet access or computers, one nonprofit is doing its best to resolve the problem.

On Wednesday, Endless Network launched its nonprofit the Endless OS Foundation, which is distributing computers to students with limited or no internet access to facilitate distance learning in partnership with Teach For America.”

Some of these devices are going to students at New Visions AIM Charter High School II at 1010 Rev. James A Polite Ave.

The computers run Endless OS, which is pre-loaded with customized learning materials selected by educators. This will be the first deployment of nearly 1,000 computers donated by Endless OS Foundation.

“What excites us most about launching the Endless OS Foundation is the ability to focus on our philanthropic mission, especially at a moment when remote learning and equitable access have become the key issue in education in every country, including the United States,” said Endless OS Foundation CEO Rob McQueen. “We’re now able to focus exclusively on this social impact, which has been at the core of Endless OS since its inception. By meeting our users where they are, we aim to bridge the technology equity gap, and empower young people, regardless of ability, income, or location.”

According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, 14 percent of school-age children, more than 9 million children in total, don’t have internet access at home and as a result are unable to effectively participate in distance learning.

“Our country’s transition to distance learning during this pandemic has highlighted the deep inequities in our education system, including the digital divide that exists in many low-income communities across the U.S. Students have already experienced major disruptions to their education, and those without access to computers or reliable internet at home are at greater risk of falling behind academically,” said LaNiesha Cobb Sanders, Teach For America’s vice president of Teacher Leadership Development. ”