Education / Schools

Gavilan loans laptops to Hollister students

Staff contacted San Benito students directly and handed out 30 computers on April 18.
The Gavilan College laptop distribution team met students at the rear of the Briggs Building, checked off the paperwork and loaned out laptops. Photo provided.
The Gavilan College laptop distribution team met students at the rear of the Briggs Building, checked off the paperwork and loaned out laptops. Photo provided.
Masked, gloved, and armed with ample disinfectant wipes, the laptop loan team takes a break for a socially-distanced high five. Photo provided.
Masked, gloved, and armed with ample disinfectant wipes, the laptop loan team takes a break for a socially-distanced high five. Photo provided.
Nick Wray works in the IT department to load software onto new laptops that students need for their classes. Photo provided.
Nick Wray works in the IT department to load software onto new laptops that students need for their classes. Photo provided.

This article was contributed by Jan Janes with Gavilan College.

Gavilan College acted quickly to support student online learning after county health departments enacted shelter-in-place orders in March. Two technology distribution events at the main campus placed more than 100 laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots in students’ hands.

“Unfortunately, a few students from San Benito County were unable to attend because of transportation issues,” said Kyle Billups, IT director.

College staff contacted San Benito County students directly, and Gavilan loaned 30 laptops outside the Hollister Briggs Building Saturday, April 18.

“Students are feeling overwhelmed,” said Judy Rodriguez, Hollister site director. “One student said their chemistry class was really tough without classroom interaction.” With the laptop the student received on Saturday, they will be able to continue their work at home.

Another student was hoping to get a Wi-Fi hot spot, equipment Gavilan was not able to obtain.

“Currently the phone companies are backed up on orders because of the high demand,” said Rodriguez.

Instructors and counselors reached out to students as instruction moved to an online format, and the digital divide surfaced. Many students in the Gavilan district do not have access to personal computers or home internet connections. Previously, they could complete their work using college resources or at now-closed commercial locations offering free Wi-Fi.

Students can visit the Gavilan College homepage for more information about online student support, current information about COVID-19 and enrolling in Summer 2020 classes. Community members can view information about the Gavilan Student Emergency Fund for ways to support individual students.

 

Gavilan College

Gavilan College offers a wide range of services, including programs of community education, the liberal arts and sciences, the pre-professional, business, vocational, and technical fields. To support student success, we offer services that strengthen and augment the learning environment. Courses and programs of study are offered days, evenings, weekends, and online. All offerings are designed to assist students in meeting their educational and life goals.