GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) -- Dozens of students at Alger Middle School in Grand Rapids received a free laptop on Thursday as part of an effort to bridge the digital divide.
With technology ingrained in everyday life, schools have continued to adjust.
"We're trying to incorporate it into their learning because we know it's not going anywhere," Charlie Lovelady II, principal at Alger Middle School, said.
However, with some students unable to fully access the Internet at home, Lovelady II said it can create some challenges.
"Some homework assignments don't get done, some extra learning does not get done," Lovelady II said.
Thursday at Alger Middle School, there was an effort to help tackle this issue. Around 50 students received a free laptop during an assembly recognizing academic achievement.
"Being able to have laptops at home, they can spend valuable time learning and being educated instead of on video games or social media," Lovelady II said.
The laptop giveaway is a partnership between AT&T, Human I-T, the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP, and Kent School Services Network.
Greater Grand Rapids NAACP president Cle Jackson said it was important for the laptops to go where they can make the biggest impact.
"When you look at Black and also low-wealth and poor white kids, they're disproportionately impacted by the digital divide," Jackson said. "We talk about ChatGPT, AI, all of this. If you don't have access to the proper tools, you're going to be left behind."
As the students picked up their laptops, there was plenty of excitement.
"I was actually the one who delivered the message to let them know they were getting the laptops and just seeing their reaction, being able to deliver something like that, that's needed, is a huge reward," said DaJuan Thomas, a community school coordinator with Kent School Services Network.
One student who received a device is looking forward to the doors it will open.
"Check my grades, make sure I keep up on my homework, my work, everything. Make sure I get everything done and keep my grades up," said Semaj Coleman, eighth-grade student at Alger Middle School.