June 18, 2003
A: FROM MODERATOR SARAH SHIRK IN IL

Hi Juana-Your hesitancy to give out personal information over the Internet is wise. I never give any personal information on-line unless I know exactly who is going to access it.

I've been thinking about your question. This need to access computer technology for school work, but your school not having enough computers is a problem that exists all over the country. Many people label this the "digital divide," meaning that access to technology can divide people. Some schools have more than enough computers for each student, others do not. I have heard of some colleges that give each incoming student their own laptop. (Of course the students are paying for this in fees and tuition.)

I do not know of any contests where laptops are given away. However, wouldn't it be possible that a local foundation in New York might be interested in hearing about your predicament? Try to team up with an adult at the YWCA or Girl Scouts who has written grants to foundations and send in a letter explaining your problem. Are there other students in your school who also need to access the computer, but do not have the opportunity?

Write these stories down, and ask the foundation if they would consider funding laptops for your group to share. Convince them that technology is important to you! It can mean a better job in the future as well as better grades in the present.

If you have trouble finding someone locally to help you write a grant, send an e-mail back to GEM-SET@uic.edu, and we will apply for a grant through the GEM-SET program. Foundation grants are difficult to win, but the digital divide is considered a priority area by many foundations. I'll help you find these foundations if you are serious about writing in for laptop funding. Write back if you are interested!