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By Maegan Murray, ������ Tri-Cities��

RICHLAND, Wash. – Up to��50��students can now check-out laptops through Washington State University Tri-Cities as part of a new laptop loan program launched by the Associated Students of ������ Tri-Cities, the campus’ student government.��

AS������TC saw a need for technology support for students��this summer��and voted to dedicate $9,700 of funds toward purchasing 20 new laptops that students��can��check-out��free of cost��for use throughout their educational experience at ������ Tri-Cities.��

Additionally, Cadwell recently donated 30 laptops��to ������ Tri-Cities��for��student use,��some��of which will be��awarded��to students��for permanent ownership��and the others will be rented out through the AS������TC program.��The Cadwell laptops are all previously��used, but��have been��refurbished��and have new hard drives.��

“In the 21st��century, having a reliable computer is necessary to succeed in higher education, whether you are taking classes in-person, hybrid, or online,”��AS������TC President Robin��Kovis��said. “AS������TC decided to jump start this program because we know the demand for reliable technology surged with the virtual shift.”��

Kovis��said AS������TC will be working with the Office of Advancement to ensure that the program continues well into the future.��

“We hope that this new program will help to close some of the equity gaps within higher education,” he said. “More than anything, the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted some of the deep economic inequalities our country still faces today … Our campus community is not immune to these financial hardships. Many students and family members who support students��have experienced the brunt of this economic slowdown during the pandemic.��We felt it is our duty as student leaders to cushion that impact in any way we could.”��

The AS������TC laptop loan program is being offered to ������ Tri-Cities students in addition to a separate ������ systemwide program offered at no cost to students through the ������ Provost’s office that allows students to apply to check-out a����or��.

Kovis��said they are��excited��that Cadwell donated additional laptops, as it means that even more students will have access to technology, even beyond COVID-19.��

“Generous donations like this from individuals and businesses within our community are ultimately what will ensure the long-term success of our laptop program,” he said. “Because of Cadwell’s donation, the reach of the laptop rental program is now much greater.”

Students can��apply��to check-out a laptop through��the����located on the�������� Tri-Cities Student Support Services website at��tricities.wsu.edu/current-students/support.��

Those interested in giving to the AS������TC laptop loan program should contact Laura Sanchez, ������ Tri-Cities director of campus student support services, at laura.sanchez1@wsu.edu.

Media contacts:��

Robin��Kovis,��Associated Students of ������ Tri-Cities president,��robin.kovis@wsu.edu��

Maegan Murray, ������ Tri-Cities assistant director of marketing and communication, 619-403-3617,��maegan_murray@wsu.edu��