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Co-Lin supports students with Laptop Loan Program
WESSON, Mississippi – To assist current Copiah-Lincoln Community College students impacted by COVID-19, the college has purchased 50 laptops and backpacks for qualified students to stay on track with hybrid coursework while on and off campus. The Laptop Loan Program was partially supported through a grant from the Woodward Hines Education Foundation and the CARES Act.
“Co-Lin is extremely grateful for this generous contribution from Woodward Hines Education Foundation,” said Copiah-Lincoln Community College President Dr. Jane Hulon Sims. “The funding will help to meet needs and eliminate barriers for many students who have faced technology challenges during this unprecedented time.”
Each laptop was internet ready with wireless access. The laptops were also linked to the Co-Lin network so that students had access to all the college resources. At the end of the semester, students are to return the laptops.
Information about the program and opportunities were shared with students on all three Co-Lin campuses. The students were required to apply and answer several questions while demonstrating a need. Each applicant was evaluated by financial need, registered for current term, enrolled full time, and in good academic/financial aid standing. Applicants could not be a 100 percent online student (as these students are expected to have access to technology when they sign up). The college discovered that some students were “sharing” a computer with other family members or friends or in some cases, did not have access to a computer at all and were unable to complete their assignments during the spring semester. Therefore, identified the need and with the assistance of Woodward Hines Education Foundation and CARES Act funds were able to assist students.
After the laptops have been collected at the end of the fall semester, the college will clean, reset, and prepare the laptops for a new application process in the spring semester. This will provide the opportunity for a new set of qualified students to apply.
The Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF) grant established student relief funds at all 15 Mississippi community colleges. Each college determined in what way to distribute the funds to help qualifying Mississippi community college students impacted by COVID-19 stay on track towards graduation. The $310,000 WHEF grant was established through the Mississippi Community College Foundation.
“These are difficult times for students who are trying to adjust to the many personal and educational challenges brought on by COVID-19,” said Dr. Ronnie Nettles, Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Foundation. “We are delighted to partner with the Woodward Hines Education Foundation to help these students.”
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