2024 Impact Report
Advancing equitable access to devices, connectivity, & technology education
Partnerships
In 2024, Kramden worked with new and existing partners to deliver digital inclusion to communities across North Carolina. The Kramden team completed two large projects in 2024: Digital Bridges Forsyth project with Winston-Net and the Connecting Minority Communities with North Carolina Central University (NCCU). Both programs grew our Train-the-Trainer (TTT) programs in Durham and Forsyth counties. In total, 2,491 individuals received digital skills training and devices from Kramden and TTT programs.
The success of these projects deepened community ties, extended our services more widely outide of the Triangle, and demonstrated that Kramden is ready to scale up and reach out.
Kramden is fortunate to have the support of the NC Department of Information Technology, equipment donors, and 931 volunteers and Super Geeks who volunteered to refurbish devices.
Highlighted Projects
Project
Details
Outcome
Digital Bridges Forsyth Year 2
Using our Train-the-Trainer model to provide curriculum, devices, and technical support to residents of Forsyth County.
- 13 instructors and 1260 residents received training and a computer
- Introduced a new course: Computer Skills for Job Seekers
- Piloted a mail-in Tech Support program
NCDIT Digital Champions Grant
Support from NCDIT to scale up operations and partner with non-profit E2D on a statewide device deployment strategy.
- Improved warehouse operations
- Exceeded device refurbishing and distribution goal by 17%
- Devised device acquisition strategy.
City of Durham Digital Literacy Classes
The City of Durham's Federal ARPA grant enabled Kramden to focus basic computer training and devices in Census tracts with greater need.
- First classes completed with Student U
- Hired Project Coordinator
- Varied locations for added classes.
Deriving Value, Delivering Value
Kramden is a 501-c-3 non-profit committed to building digital opportunities with education and devices. We derive value and deliver value with the support of Federal and state grants, foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors. Donated devices are first considered for refurbishment and redistribution. To pay for operations and needed new parts like batteries and web cams, Kramden sells lower grade devices to other refurbishers. Lastly, Kramden will send non-working tech materials to R2 certified recyclers to keep it out of landfills.
In 2024, Kramden received a sizable grant from the State of North Carolina to help us expand our programs and efficiencies. Kramden’s priorities include a broader geographic reach, serving new customers including persons living in rural areas, and filling device needs in workforce readiness and telehealth.
Hurricane Helene Relief
Kramden partnered with Land of Sky and High Country Councils of Government to deliver devices to individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene. 150 laptops and 99 cell phones were distributed in WNC. This project was generously supported by Advance Auto Parts, AT&T, and Google Fiber.
I work from home and lost my laptop to water damage. This will ensure that I as a single mom have a steady income!!
