HTI is doing a great job! A long-term impact we see is our clients increasing their technology skills. They have used the HTI Chromebooks to get GEDs, learn technology, and obtain jobs.

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-John Luckett

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We love our partnership with HTI! We're so excited. We have kids that come from all walks; many have poverty struggles. To have laptops, or even have a place with wifi is major. We're hoping our kids who are behind can eventually be at grade level.This partnership is great! HTI is remarkable.

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-Jeffery Robinson

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StepUp is grateful for the partnership with HTI. The recipients have accomplished many goals and tasks that they may not have had the opportunity to accomplish without the HTI Chromebooks. Participants have become more computer literate. We require them to use Google Sheets to complete assignments, and many of them aren't familiar with the Google Suite. After taking classes and using the laptops, they are more comfortable and experienced with these things.

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-Angela Coleman

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I'm a child advocate in the court system. I'm very grateful for the HTI Chromebook because until now, I haven't been able to type reports, attend zoom meetings or receive emails. This is very helpful, and I appreciate it.

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-Doris Swann

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In December of 2022, DeAndra Jones faced the enduring challenge of financial hardship and poverty. As a young mother at 15 and 16, she made the courageous decision to leave high school due to the immense pressure of raising children, particularly with a child on the autism spectrum. Determined not to become a statistic, she earned her GED and pursued degrees in allied health, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Phlebotomist, and certified Medical Assistant, all by the age of 25. These achievements were a testament to her unwavering belief that being a teen parent does not define one's success.

Come June of 2022, a profound sense of pride enveloped DeAndra as her daughter graduated from high school, saying "that was the happiest day of [her] life." Her daughter was able to graduate and keep her grades up while working part-time. She is starting college in the spring and has saved up money for school. This milestone represented a remarkable accomplishment, but, the impending start of college brought with it the financial realities that can accompany higher education. Recognizing her daughter's exceptional dedication and intelligence, DeAndra decided to give the HTI Chromebook to her, saying "She deserves it; she is a very smart and intelligent child. She is part of the reason why I pushed myself so hard. I was never able to go to college, and I want her to experience college and succeed there."

Fast forward to June of 2023, DeAndra's daughter is now enrolled at Shaw University, and has seamlessly integrated the HTI Chromebook into her academic pursuits. She has learned Google Drive, email, and useful job skills. She’s pursuing a degree in Business Administration and has passed all of her classes so far! The Chromebook has proven to be instrumental once again, sparing DeAndra and her daughter from the financial burden of purchasing a separate computer for college- a significant relief given their limited resources.

One of the sweet spots for HTI is to try to find people that are currently underemployed or recently unemployed. In December of 2022, Octavia was facing a technological setback as her old laptop ceased to function properly, and financial constraints made it difficult for her to acquire a replacement. Having recently lost her job, she was in the process of seeking a position in the IT field. While she did have a phone, it was evident that carrying out tasks on a laptop was considerably more efficient. When Octavia received an HTI Chromebook, it proved to be a turning point in her job search. Shortly after obtaining the Chromebook, she successfully secured a position as an IT Support person at Cox Communication. The Chromebook played a pivotal role in her training, making it a crucial asset in her professional development. Octavia's success story exemplifies HTI's mission to bridge the Digital Divide by providing essential technological resources to those in need.

As of June 2023, Octavia attests to the invaluable assistance provided by her HTI Chromebook. She has not only secured employment but excels in her role at Cox Communications, handling technical support for employees remotely. Octavia says, she has learned more about Google Drive, MS Office, browsing the internet, using email, and gained useful job skills. Additionally, Octavia has ventured into a side business. The Chromebook proves instrumental in managing financial records, design work, and paperwork, contributing significantly to the success of her entrepreneurial endeavor. It serves as a dependable tool in her journey towards professional and personal growth. If she hadn’t received the HTI Chromebook she wouldn’t have had as much access to these opportunities.

HTI’s goal is to shrink the Digital Divide and are able to do that with people like Octavia.