CHERAW, SC — Northeastern Technical College (NETC) purchased 225 new laptops to expand its laptop loan program for students. The program expansion will help ensure current students have what they need to transition from a face-to-face college experience to a virtual college platform.
NETC resumed classes on April 1 with all lecture courses offered through a virtual, online platform. Having limited or no access to campus facilities (libraries and computer labs) created a barrier for some students. Without access to a computer, they would not be able to receive instruction, engage in class discussions, and complete assignments.
The expansion of the laptop loan program was the collaborative effort across many departments and a part of the college’s broader strategic plan to remove barriers for students. Funding was made possible by the NETC Trumpet program, a PBI funded initiative.
“Offering instruction online is one part of the solution,” said Jonathan Christian-Hodges, NETC PBI Project Director. ‘The other part is making sure students have the tools necessary to receive instruction and services provided by the college.”
NETC will start distributing laptops the week of April 6. Students need to complete a Laptop Loan form through the Remote Learning Dashboard or the Trumpet Page on the college website. NETC will loan laptops out on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“Student success remains our primary focus during this time,” said NETC President, Dr. Kyle Wagner. “We will make sure students have the tools and resources they need to continue their college adventure.”