In an era where technology has become an integral part of the educational landscape, access to digital resources has become a critical factor in determining academic success. Unfortunately, many students, particularly those from underprivileged or marginalized backgrounds, lack the necessary tools and resources to fully participate in the digital learning environment.
Recognizing this growing disparity, Strayer University, a prominent private institution of higher education, has taken a bold step in addressing the digital divide by implementing a revolutionary free laptop initiative for its students.
“At Strayer University, we firmly believe that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their economic or social background,” says Dr. Cheryl Oldham, the university’s Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives. “By providing our students with free laptops, we’re not only ensuring that they have the necessary tools to thrive academically, but also empowering them to fully engage with the digital resources and technologies that are integral to modern education.”
The free laptop program, which was launched in 2019, represents a significant investment by Strayer University in the academic and personal growth of its student population. Through this initiative, the university aims to remove one of the most significant barriers to educational access – the inability to afford the essential technology needed to participate in online courses, access digital learning materials, and collaborate with peers in the virtual classroom.
“We understand that the cost of higher education can be a significant burden for many students, and that the additional expense of a laptop or computer can often be the deciding factor in whether someone is able to enroll in college,” explains Dr. Oldham. “By eliminating this financial hurdle, we’re opening the doors to higher education for a wider range of individuals, empowering them to pursue their academic and professional aspirations.”
Transforming the Student Experience
The impact of Strayer University’s free laptop program has been nothing short of transformative, both for the individual students who have benefited from the initiative and for the institution as a whole.
For many Strayer students, the free laptop has been a game-changer, providing them with the essential tools and resources they need to fully engage with their coursework and excel in their academic pursuits. This is particularly true for those who come from low-income households or face other financial barriers to accessing technology.
“Before receiving the free laptop from Strayer, I was struggling to keep up with my online classes because I didn’t have a reliable device to use at home,” says Jamal, a business administration major at the university. “The laptop has made a world of difference, allowing me to access course materials, participate in virtual discussions, and complete assignments without worrying about the cost or availability of technology.”
Beyond the immediate benefits to individual students, the free laptop program has also had a transformative impact on the overall student experience at Strayer University. By ensuring that all students have access to the necessary digital tools and resources, the institution has been able to create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment, where every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
“One of the greatest advantages of the free laptop program is that it has helped to level the playing field for our students,” says Dr. Oldham. “Rather than having a significant portion of our student population struggle to keep up due to a lack of access to technology, we’re now able to provide a consistent and high-quality learning experience that empowers all of our students to engage, collaborate, and succeed.”
This newfound digital equity has also had a profound impact on the way in which Strayer University designs and delivers its academic programs. With the knowledge that all students have access to the necessary technology, the institution has been able to integrate more robust digital resources, interactive learning tools, and collaborative platforms into its curriculum, further enhancing the overall educational experience.
“The free laptop program has really enabled us to rethink the way we approach teaching and learning at Strayer,” explains Dr. Oldham. “Rather than being limited by technological constraints, we’re now able to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital learning environment, creating more engaging, personalized, and impactful educational experiences for our students.”
Fostering Student Success and Retention
In addition to the immediate benefits of providing students with free laptops, Strayer University’s initiative has also had a significant impact on student success and retention rates.
By ensuring that all students have access to the necessary digital resources, the university has been able to remove a significant barrier to academic achievement, allowing learners to focus on their studies rather than struggling to acquire the basic tools they need to succeed.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of the free laptop program has been witnessing the tangible impact it has had on our students’ academic performance and persistence,” says Dr. Oldham. “We’ve seen marked improvements in areas such as course completion rates, grade point averages, and overall student satisfaction – all of which are directly tied to the increased access to technology that the program provides.”
These positive outcomes are further reinforced by the feedback and testimonials that Strayer University has received from its students, many of whom have expressed deep gratitude for the life-changing impact of the free laptop initiative.
“The laptop has been an absolute game-changer for me,” says Alicia, a nursing student at Strayer. “Before, I was constantly stressed about having to find a way to afford a computer, which made it really difficult to keep up with my coursework. Now, I can fully immerse myself in my studies, participate in virtual clinicals, and collaborate with my classmates without any of those barriers. It’s truly been a transformative experience.”
Beyond the immediate academic benefits, the free laptop program has also had a positive impact on student retention and persistence. By removing a significant financial obstacle to higher education, Strayer University has been able to attract and retain a more diverse student population, including individuals who may have previously been deterred from pursuing a college degree due to the high costs associated with technology.
“We’ve seen a notable increase in enrollment and retention rates since the launch of the free laptop program,” explains Dr. Oldham. “Students who may have otherwise been forced to drop out or delay their education due to financial constraints are now able to stay enrolled and continue working towards their academic and professional goals.”
This improved retention, in turn, has had a ripple effect on the overall success and outcomes of Strayer University’s student population. By supporting learners throughout their academic journeys, the institution has been able to foster a greater sense of community, belonging, and empowerment – all of which contribute to improved graduation rates, employment prospects, and long-term personal and professional growth.
Scaling the Impact through Partnerships and Initiatives
As Strayer University’s free laptop program has continued to gain momentum and drive positive change, the institution has recognized the importance of leveraging strategic partnerships and expanding its initiatives to further amplify its impact.
One such partnership is the university’s collaboration with leading technology companies, such as Microsoft and Dell, to secure discounted pricing and specialized support for the laptops provided to Strayer students. By forging these relationships, the institution has been able to maximize the value and utility of the free laptop offering, ensuring that students receive high-quality, cutting-edge devices equipped with the latest software and tools.
“Our technology partners have been invaluable in helping us to scale and enhance the free laptop program,” says Dr. Oldham. “Not only do they provide us with competitively priced hardware and software, but they also offer dedicated technical support and training resources to our students, further empowering them to make the most of these essential digital tools.”
In addition to these strategic partnerships, Strayer University has also expanded its free laptop initiative to include a range of supplementary programs and resources designed to support student success. This includes the creation of dedicated technology support services, where students can access on-demand assistance with software installation, troubleshooting, and device maintenance, as well as the development of digital literacy workshops and training sessions to help learners develop the necessary skills to effectively utilize their laptops in an academic setting.
“We recognize that providing the laptops is just the first step – we also need to ensure that our students have the knowledge and support to fully leverage these devices to their academic and professional advantage,” explains Dr. Oldham. “That’s why we’ve invested heavily in building out a comprehensive suite of resources and services to complement the free laptop program and empower our students to thrive in the digital learning environment.”
Furthermore, Strayer University has also been proactive in sharing the successes and lessons learned from its free laptop initiative with other institutions of higher education, with the goal of inspiring and supporting the adoption of similar programs across the broader landscape of postsecondary education.
Conclusion
“Our ultimate aim is to drive systemic change and ensure that digital equity becomes a priority for colleges and universities nationwide,” says Dr. Oldham. “By sharing our insights, best practices, and the tangible impact we’ve seen from the free laptop program, we hope to encourage more institutions to follow suit and take meaningful action to bridge the digital divide for their students.”
