Access to technology is essential in an increasingly digital society. Unlike a few decades ago, technology has weaved its way into every aspect of our lives from communication to daily job tasks to education. It has opened the doors for learning new skills and encouraging creativity. The widespread adoption of online schooling and working from home that occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has only reinforced our dependence on technology. 

Technology may be responsible for bridging many gaps and creating new opportunities, but it has also exposed a divide between those who have regular access to computers, the internet and digital literacy training and those who do not. This digital divide affects all generations across a variety of communities, and organizations like Compudopt are at the forefront in narrowing the gap.

Compudopt has grown from a grassroots Houston-based organization into one of the nation’s top non-profits that change families’ lives by providing a wide variety of digital resources and services.

 
As part of Compudopt’s efforts to bridge the digital divide, they offer hands-on curriculum-based programs to students in 1st-12th grade who can attend one to two sessions per week for 10-12 weeks. Camp sessions are also available during school breaks for 20-25 hours per week. These programs are available at multiple campuses across the United States, and each graduate receives a free computer.

The Kinder Morgan Foundation is focused on supporting STEM education programs, particularly those benefiting minority communities and underserved youth. It has a long history of supporting the great work of Compudopt, and it recently awarded the organization a $45,000 grant. 

“It has been really great to see Compudopt grow over the years and the impact it has had on digital desert communities,” said Kinder Morgan’s Corporate Communications and Kinder Morgan Foundation Manager Katherine Hill. “Many of the kids in its programs would not have access to laptops if it was not for the great work that Compudopt is doing for our local communities. They have really changed the trajectory of many of these kids’ lives.”

“Compudopt’s partnerships mean everything to us since they are the reason that we are able to bring technology access to marginalized communities and empower youth,” said Whipple. 

Since its founding in 2007, Compudopt has been committed to providing every child with equal access to education and opportunity. The Kinder Morgan Foundation looks forward to supporting them with this goal for many years to come.