Laptops For Students Learning At Home

While schools may be closed, class is still in session. The internet is a powerful tool, but not everyone can get their hands on the necessary technology. 

The North Fork Tech Project combined efforts from the Oysterponds, Greenport, Southold, Mattituck/Cutchogue and Riverhead school district teachers’ associations in order to provide students with the needed materials to continue their academic year.

“When we started this, we saw the need within our communities to get technology into students’ hands during this epidemic,” said Southold Faculty Association President Mike Carver. “We viewed ourselves, from Orient to Riverhead, as one community. We’re not looking at town boundaries, we’re not looking at school district lines, we are advocates for children no matter where they reside.” 

Beginning with 50 Chromebooks, purchased through a collaborative effort between the five teachers’ associations, the North Fork Tech Project hopes to have a computer in the home of every student before the school year ends.

Bonnie Michelle Cannon, executive director at Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center, faces similar challenges as kids within the community tackle online learning.

“Thirty of our after-school kids are now participating in online learning,” Cannon wrote in a letter to the community. “Only 10 were connected the first week. All but one have a computer on loan at home, and we have only a few more homes in need of internet.”

To donate to the North Fork Tech Project, visit its GoFundMe campaign page or email northforktechproject@gmail.com.

To donate to Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center, visit www.bhccrc.org.