Inland schools receive donated laptops

Two San Bernardino County schools will receive laptop computers donated by Edison International, the parent company Southern California Edison.

Clement Middle School in Redlands and Twentynine Palms High School will receive 200 and 400 laptops, respectively, according to a statement.

The devices, which include updated software, were previously used by Southern California Edison employees.

Edison International recently announced it was donating $520,000 to California Bridging the Digital Divide Fund, a statewide program that provides students with equal access to public education during COVID-19.

That money will pay for hundreds of refurbished laptops, and expanded internet access, for school districts in Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Tulare counties.

‘The COVID-19 crisis in K-12 education is taking a disproportionate toll on students, families and educators in our communities,” said Caroline Choi, senior vice president of corporate affairs at Edison International and Southern California Edison. “This donation will equip school districts in our service area with needed resources to support distance learning for thousands of students and teachers.”

Bridging the Digital Divide tries to develop more equitable teaching and learning environments, especially in special education, English learner, low-income, and rural areas, according to the statement.