BINGHAMTON, NY – As a result of a program currently being offered by Binghamton University’s Center for Civic Engagement, 15 community residents will be provided with computers at noon, Friday, Nov. 22. This event will be held at the Broome County Urban League located on Carroll Street, Binghamton. Residents who complete a computer literacy course through the Binghamton University Bridging the Digital Divide Program (BDDP) are eligible to receive the loaned computers, as well as those who have completed courses through the SUNY ATTAIN Lab, a close partner of the Broome County Urban League.

The Binghamton University Bridging the Digital Divide Program (BDDP) provides free computer literacy instruction and refurbished computer loans to residents of Broome County. The program is administered by the Binghamton University Center for Civic Engagement and partners with a number of local organizations and businesses to meet its goal of increasing community access to information technology.

BDDP receives used computers from their partner, Geodis Supply Chain Optimisation, and has been working closely with John Yesensky, State e-Recycling Program and New Business Development Manager since 2012. Computers provided by Geodis are refurbished at Binghamton University by student volunteers under the supervision of community volunteer Jack Rappaport.

The Director of the Center for Civic Engagement, Allison Alden, explains, "We are fortunate to work with such dedicated partners to meet the mission of the BDDP. The program is largely driven by our talented students who try so hard to make a difference in our community."

The Digital Divide can be defined as the gulf between those who have ready access to information technology and the Internet, and those who do not.

The Bridging the Digital Divide Program was established four years ago to address this growing need in our community. Cumulative program outcomes are: 262 volunteers, 8,024 hours of service, 137 computers loaned to community members, and 19,000 pounds of electronics collected and refurbished/recycled.

For more information, contact Samantha Eilenberg at (607) 777-2536.