Intel, Dell Technologies, and Chandler Unified School District Partner to Bridge Digital Divide

Intel Corporation, Arizona’s largest technology manufacturer, partnered with Dell Technologies and the Chandler Unified School District to implement a 1:1 technology strategy to bridge the digital divide and accelerate student learning. Intel and Dell made a joint investment of $1.6 million to support the pilot and create a new blueprint for how devices are deployed into schools and ultimately transform the way K-12 embraces education technology.

Under the partnership’s Education Technology as a Service initiative, Dell distributed more than 3,600 laptops to students and teachers at Chandler High School in a two-day event with an intent to transform the way K-12 embraces education technology. The Hub which is a center for troubleshooting technology issues and an extension of the traditional library to avail loaner devices was also inaugurated as a part of the event. With tech support from Intel and Dell, it will function to help students and teachers whenever they need.

“We are so proud to be a part of the solution to bridge digital divide in the community with Dell Technologies and CUSD,” said Michael Campbell, Global Head of Education for Intel’s Client Computing Group. “Investing in the success of students and educators is key to strengthening our community.”

Since the onset of the pandemic, schools faced a major challenge because of a dearth of advanced devices to conduct virtual learning and lack of Wi-Fi in some households. Most of the time was spent in troubleshooting these devices rather than doing more meaningful functions. This presented a strong need to introduce advanced computers to deliver easier, frictionless, and more manageable learning and teaching experience. The vision of ETaaS is to thoughtfully address these challenges with highly capable learning devices. This innovative partnership will create a new blueprint for how devices are deployed into schools and ultimately bring about the technological transformation in the education sector.

“Students are the big winners with this partnership,” said Franklin Narducci, Superintendent, Chandler Unified School District. “Learning doesn’t stop when final bell rings at the end of the day. Providing laptops and connectivity will go a long way to help us bridge the digital divide.”

Dell Technologies notebooks featuring Intel microprocessors were distributed to the students and teachers along with laptop sleeves and T-shirts. The laptops were loaded with features like LTE to address the lack of Wi-Fi and the other devices had education purpose-built option. Dell will also provide IT support services and reduce the total cost of ownership.

Intel is committed to leveraging the power of technology to strengthen our community. This initiative will help ensure equal learning opportunities and access to the latest tools and resources for students from all backgrounds. The company aims to collaborate with more schools and school districts to help them overcome technology barriers.