Amid Stay-At-Home Order Think Systems Helps Launch Organization To Provide Underserved Students with Free Laptops and Internet Connection
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill Atkinson | 443.797.4150 | bill@atkinsonstrategic.com
BALTIMORE, MD – March 31, 2020 – Think Systems Inc., a management consulting firm that focuses on small and mid-market companies that need help with organizational solutions and strategic hiring, announced today it is collaborating with a group of technology leaders to establish high-speed internet access and provide free laptops to students in Baltimore City so they can continue their education at home while schools are closed.
The group, known as DigiBmore, is soliciting corporations and individuals for used laptops, notebooks and tablets that will be refurbished, wiped clean and delivered to students in underserved areas of Baltimore who are out of school because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Baltimore City schools closed March 16 and with the recent shelter in place guidelines, will not be returning to school anytime soon. Interested business, and students in need, can participate in the program by visiting http://baltimoreroboticscenter.com/wp/laptop-donations/.
“We are working to put laptops and tablets in the hands of as many kids as possible and connect them to the internet so they can continue to learn while schools are closed,” said Ed Mullin, Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Think and one of DigiBmore’s founders. “We do not want hundreds of young people in underserved communities missing out on educational opportunities because they have no internet or no laptop.”
DigiBmore founders include Adam Bouhmad, Founder Project Waves & Assistant Director of Technology at Digital Harbor Foundation; Andrew Coy, Executive Director at Digital Harbor Foundation; Jonathan Moore, Founder & CEO of RowdyOrb.it, and McKeever “Mac” Conwell, Portfolio Manager and Deal Team Coordinator for Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO).
Mullin, who is also Executive Director of the Baltimore Robotic Center, said DigiBmore will use the center’s 1001 W. Pratt Street headquarters as a community anchor to build a WIFI Mesh Network and initially connect residents who live in South Baltimore. The high-speed internet access coverage area will extend to a 4 to 5 block radius.
“This is a critical moment where we all have to pull together to help bridge the digital divide in our city,” said Tony Gruebl, President of Think. “Today, every student needs access to the internet and to a device that will allow them to connect with teachers and subject matter even during a national crisis. There is no reason to stop learning, not even in a pandemic.”
To date more than 100 digital devices have been collected and distributed to students in need. It will take the support of the community to serve the thousands of children who are still waiting on tools to continue their education during the shelter in place order. Please consider doing your part to help close the digital divide in our city. DigiBmore accepts and will wipe clean laptops, notebooks, and tablets. To participate, please complete the donation form here: http://baltimoreroboticscenter.com/wp/laptop-donations/.
About DigiBmore
DigiBmore focuses on providing equitable access for underserved communities. This access is not just limited too high speed internet it’s inclusive of connected devices, reducing educational disparities, removing socio-economic redlining determinants, while greatly increasing unbiased growth opportunities within resource deprived Baltimore City zip codes.
About Baltimore Robotics Center
Baltimore Robotics Center (BRC) is a non-profit organization that inspires Baltimore’s youth to pursue careers in science, technology and manufacturing by providing opportunities for youth to explore STEM programs like Competitive Robotics, 3D Printing, Coding and Making. We also work to connect these youth to stable STEM jobs and careers by demonstrating pathways and facilitating internships.
About Think Systems Inc.
Founded in 2004, Think is a management consulting firm that focuses on small and mid-market companies that need help with organizational solutions and strategic hiring. Think serves a broad client base in industries including financial services, education, manufacturing and distribution, software development, legal and regulatory, business intelligence, and insurance, among others. The company’s name, “Think Systems,” comes from the practice of systematizing business methods, people, and their efforts to achieve successful project outcomes. To learn more visit us at www.thinkconsulting.com.