Gordon State College received a grant total of $22,000 from Southern Rivers Energy’s Operation Roundup Grant Program and the Community Foundation of Central Georgia (CFCGA) to support the Laptop Lending Program.

The lending program helps address financial and technology barriers by providing access to laptops for students who cannot afford to purchase their own.

“By offering laptops on loan, colleges ensure that all students have equal access to the necessary technologies used throughout academia and the employment market,” said Angiah L. Davis, GSC director of library services. “This reduces disparities and helps level the playing field, providing the student with the crucial technology skills needed to be as successful in the workplace as they are in the classroom.” 

The Laptop Lending Program aligns with the mission of the Dorothy W. Hightower Collaborative Learning Center & Library, which aims to support the teaching, learning, and research needs of GSC students by offering essential resources and tools, learning spaces, and instruction in critical thinking and lifelong learning skills.

“This program is exciting because it addresses an issue the committee hadn't fully recognized,” said Cynthia Busbee, CFCGA grant committee chair. “Not all students can afford a high-quality laptop, and a lending program provides access without the upfront cost, making technology more accessible for everyone.”

Whether attending in-person or remotely, the program is available to all students enrolled at GSC, allowing them to borrow laptops as needed within the established timeframes. An added benefit is that students can have access to electronic devices beyond normal library hours and during times of high demand for stationary computers.

Since the implementation, the Laptop Lending Program has increased in popularity, resulting in a waiting list and reduced checkout times. With the grant, GSC will be able to purchase additional devices and accessories, such as laptop bags and chargers, enabling the library to serve more students.

To learn more about GSC’s Laptop Lending Program, visit www.gordonstate.edu.