About Kramden
Advancing equitable access to devices, connectivity, & technology education
Our Why
Our goal is a world where all can thrive in a digital society. We devote our resources to providing technology and training to those in our community who need them.
Since 2003, Kramden has awarded more than 65,000 computers to deserving families across North Carolina and beyond and has taught technology skills to more than 16,000 people of all ages.
Mission
Advancing equitable access to devices, connectivity, & technology education.
Values
Sustainability through reuse and recycling technology assets.
Equity for all through empowerment.
Community perspective and need at our core.
Passion in everything we do.
Leadership in Digital Inclusion.
Our History
Kramden was born out of a father/son project initiated in June 2003 by Mark and Ned Dibner (“Kramden” is ‘Mark’ and ‘Ned’ spelled backward). The idea came from Ned, then 13, who suggested to his father that they refurbish and fix older computers to donate to middle school honor-roll students in Durham, NC who could not afford home computers.
From July 2003 through March 2004, over 90 personal computers and 50 monitors were donated by individuals and businesses allowing Mark and Ned to create and complete 50 computer systems to donate. These PCs were given to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students on the school honor rolls but who could not afford home computers. By May 2004, each honor-roll student in the school had a computer in their home.
For our 20th anniversary in 2023, Kramden rebranded its logo with three arches representing the three essential elements of digital equity (connectivity, devices, and education), and a modern font for the organizational name and anything bearing our famous ‘geek’ term and our copyrighted “geek-a-thon".
If you are in need of a computer, we have a variety of programs available for K-12 students, adults, non-profits and schools, public sales and eBay. We also help with internet accessibility!
We offer in-person beginner classes, online training and certifications, a computer club, a coders club, summer camps, after-school programs, and a basic class in Spanish. Find the right class for you!
Businesses and individuals can donate desktops, laptops, tablets, and other peripheral items. Donations are tax- deductible under applicable IRS rules and regulations.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization. Be at the heart of our mission and walk the journey with us as we transform lives through technology.