Daily Inspiration: Meet Gregory / Brenda Powell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregory / Brenda Powell

Hi Gregory / Brenda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Laptops 4 Learning (L4L) was created by Dwayne Baker as a project that donated and freely provided laptops to students and veterans in the Phoenix community who were unable to afford one. In her role as a High School Counselor in the Phoenix Union School District, Brenda Powell became aware of Dwayne’s project as she searched for ways to provide students she counseled with computers they needed to complete on-line coursework at home.

Prior to her retirement, Brenda utilized the services of L4L when she had students who needed a laptop. Upon her retirement in 2018, Mr. Baker asked Brenda to take over the leadership of L4L as the Executive Director. She was joined by Greg Powell in the role of L4L’s Director of Business Development.

Under Brenda and Greg’s leadership, L4L evolved from a laptop give-a way project to a 501(c)(3) non-profit with the Mission of helping close the digital technology divide for students from low to moderate-income families, by making quality laptops available at an affordable cost or free when deemed necessary.

Laptops 4 Learning makes below market priced laptops available to ANY student. However, the primary focus of L4L is on identifying students from low to moderate-income families who are enrolled in Title-1 schools and do not have convenient access to digital technology within their home. Grant funding is used to meet these students where they are financially by providing financial assistance toward the purchase of a laptop. This focus ensures that no student is denied an opportunity for a quality education, simply because they cannot afford this critical technology tool that levels the educational playing field.

Laptops 4 Learning purchases laptops offered through the program from Microsoft Certified ITAD vendors to ensure that the devices are high quality and affordable. Laptops provided carry a one year warranty.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The key challenge to date is raising enough funds to be able to offer financial support to each program participant who registers into the program and needs financial assistance to obtain a laptop. Many of the families seeking financial assistance have multiple children at different grade levels. For these families, it is a financial hardship to purchase even one laptop. L4L recognizes that having just one computer in a home with multiple children does not provide the ideal access needed to adequately meet the homework requirements of each child. This is known as the “homework gap” that exists for students from economically disadvantaged homes.
So, a primary struggle is in finding effective and efficient ways to raise sufficient funding. L4L regularly apply for Grants, Private Donations and conduct fundraising events to address the growing need. To date, L4L has provided 4,500 + students and veterans with laptops.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my role as L4L’s Executive Director , I am primarily responsible for identifying those students/veterans who struggle in school and life, simply because they do not have access to a computer. I reach out to schools, community organizations who serve L4L’s target population of low to moderate-income students, veteran support organizations, churches, etc. L4L also intentionally seeks out students in rural Arizona communities.

Greg’s role as Business Development Director has him constantly applying for grants and private donations, as well as, seeking out corporate donors that conduct employee fundraisers in support of community nonprofits.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Desert Financial Credit Union has been a major supporter of L4L’s effort to close the digital technology divide since we first started in 2018. They were especially impactful during 2020 when COVID hit and students were home schooled, requiring online access to classes. That year alone, thanks to DFCU, L4L was able to provide over 1,000 students with laptops.

Another key supporter was Paula Cullison, founder of Arizona Women’s Partnership, Inc. AZWP not only provided L4L with funding the first 3 years of our existence, but also provided valuable leads on grant opportunities with other organizations she believed would support the L4L Mission.

A major Corporate supporter of L4L the past three years has been the Black Employee Group of BD (Becton Dickinson)

The financial and moral support of the people within these organizations has help L4L make a major impact on the lives of many.

Pricing:

• Below market list price of devices offered through the L4L program are $115.00 for Chromebooks $215 for 8GB Windows-base laptops $ 235 for 16GB Windows-based laptops
• Chromebooks – $115
• 8GB Windows based laptop – $235
• 16GB Windows based laptop – $255

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laptops4learning.com
• Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/laptops4learning_
• LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/laptops4learning/