WHAT IS THE DIGITAL DIVIDE?
The digital divide is the opportunity gap between those who have ready-access to computers and the internet, and those who do not. In this day and age, one cannot prosper without full access to online resources.
WHAT DOES E2D DO?
E2D collects used laptops from generous corporations and individuals, refurbishes them in student-led technology labs, and distributes them to student families who don't have a computer at home.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
As with most nonprofit organizations, financial support is a critical element of our operations. However, first and foremost, we need laptops! If your company retires its used laptops, please ask your IT department to donate them to E2D. We’ll pick them up, take them to our lab, refurbish them, and redistribute them to families in our community who need them most.
By donating used corporate laptops to E2D, you’ll be joining 135 other corporate donors who have made eliminating the digital divide a priority.
Here are a few meaningful ways you can help close the digital divide:
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Donate Laptops: Your company’s retired laptops can become a lifeline for students and families who need access to technology.
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Donate Money: Financial contributions help us buy parts, cover operational costs, and expand our impact across North Carolina.
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Volunteer: Support our mission by volunteering your time in our refurbishing labs or at community distribution events.
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Spread the Word: Encourage your network, workplace, or community to get involved and help us connect every student to opportunity.
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Partner with Us: Become a corporate or community partner and help us build sustainable pathways for digital opportunity.
FEATURED RELATIONSHIP:
BARINGS
Barings has become an essential partner for E2D in expanding digital access for families across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, particularly in affordable housing communities. Their commitment to strengthening neighborhoods and increasing opportunity has helped E2D reach residents who face significant barriers to connectivity and technology access.
With Barings’ support, E2D has advanced digital inclusion across more than 15 affordable housing communities in Charlotte. Together, we have provided one refurbished laptop per housing unit, totaling over 1,700 devices, ensuring that every household has the tools needed to work, learn, search for jobs, and stay connected. Our partnership also includes a major initiative with Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region, where Barings’ support is helping place 680 laptops into the homes of Habitat families by the end of 2026.
Barings’ investment in community impact extends far beyond financial support. Their team donates retiring corporate laptops, volunteers at community distribution events, and collaborates closely with E2D to strengthen digital equity efforts. This partnership reflects a shared belief that every household deserves reliable access to technology and the opportunities it unlocks.
This work is made possible through the leadership and vision of Elizabeth Cooper, Director and Head of Corporate Citizenship at Barings, whose commitment to digital inclusion has shaped and guided the success of this partnership.
We are deeply grateful for the collaboration and generosity of our partners at Barings, and we look forward to expanding this important work across even more Charlotte communities in the years ahead.
OUR MISSION
E2D's mission is to provide affordable access to essential at-home technology and digital skills for all North Carolina families. Our goals are to support academic success for students, preparing them for college, careers, and beyond as well as contribute to job creation and retention for adult members of households.
OUR CHALLENGE
There are still an estimated 26,000 households in Mecklenburg County that lack home-based, connected computers. This number is well over 328,000 for the entire State of North Carolina.
Our Vision:
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Every home must have a computer in it.
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Every home must have access to fast, reliable, and affordable digital broadband.
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Every person in the home needs to know how to use these devices effectively to be successful in school and in jobs, raising their family’s productivity and prosperity.
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OUR SOLUTIONS
Creating digital opportunity requires collective action. At E2D, our impact is only possible because of powerful partnerships across sectors. Together, we close the digital divide by:
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Channeling the power of corporate and school communities
Generous companies and schools fuel our work by donating laptops that we refurbish and distribute to those in need.
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Responding directly to the needs of individuals and families
Students, parents, and adults from across North Carolina identify their need and connect with us to receive a reliable device, often their first at-home computer.
Partnering with grassroots and community organizations
Our nonprofit and agency partners go beyond the laptop: they help recipients build digital skills, secure low-cost internet, and access ongoing tech support to ensure long-term success.