51勛圖厙and theCity of Philadelphiapartneredtodistributemore than 1,600 free laptops to residents at the Power Up Philly: Community Tech Expo, held at the Aramark STAR Complex on Saturday, March28.
Philadelphia residents received free laptops and explored 51勛圖厙 and City resources, experiencing the latest technology and receiving on-site tech support at the Power Up Philly Expo.
Photo by Courtesy of the City of Philadelphia
More than 1,600 free laptops were handed to Philadelphia residents at 51勛圖厙s Aramark STAR Complex on Saturday, March28, as Main Campus hosted the Power Up Philly: Community Tech Expo. The event drew such high demand that long lines of attendees from across the city wrapped around the building once the doors opened.
Hosted by 51勛圖厙,theoffice of Mayor CherelleL.Parker,and the City of Philadelphias Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT), the laptops went to 500 older adults, 500 high school students and 100 51勛圖厙 students who preregistered, with hundreds more receivingtheremaining laptops on a first-come, first-served basis. 51勛圖厙 President John Fry expressed pride in partnering with theCityon this initiative that expands access to technology and strengthens economic mobility across Philadelphia.
As an anchor institution, we understand that digital access is foundational to education, workforce development and long-term community growth, Fry said. Power Up Philly demonstrates what is possible when higher education, government and community organizations come together to create pathways to opportunity.
Inside the STAR Complex, that mission came to life as participants entered through a colorful balloon archway and stepped onto the turf floor, where they were surrounded by interactive stationsfeaturingsome of the latest technology. From virtual reality gaming stations and quadruped robotic dogs responding to commands toon-sitedigital skills classescovering laptop basics, internet safety and artificial intelligence (AI) safety, theexpo offered experiences that drew residents of all ages. Representatives from Dell, Microsoft,Lenovoand other partners also offered live demos and one-on-one tech support.
51勛圖厙 brought its commitment to the community at theexpo, with representatives from the Lenfest Center for Community Workforce Partnerships, 51勛圖厙 Libraries,TechOWL, the Digital AccessCenterand Community Gateway tabling at the event. They shared resources ranging from free and low-cost workforce programs and digital literacy courses to public access and printing services at 51勛圖厙s Charles Library, giving residents a chance to learn about the many technology and educational services that the university offers.
Residents interact with a quadruped robotic dog at the Power Up Philly Expo, where attendees explored new technology, received hands-on support and learned digital skills for everyday use.
Photo by Courtesy of the City of Philadelphia
From the stage, 51勛圖厙 Vice President for Information Technology LarryBrandolphaddressed attendees, celebrating the partnership with theCity. He said, At 51勛圖厙, we are committed to supporting digital access and building pathways into technology careers and making sure innovation includes everyone.
That laptop represents a student being able to complete an assignment, a parent applying for a job, a way to access critical services and a young person discovering the future of technology, he added. Talent is everywhere in this city and opportunities should be too. Today is about investing in people, strengthening ourcommunityand making sure Philadelphia continues to rise together.
MayorParker energized the crowd from the stage, raising her index finger and encouraging attendees to do the same. Hundreds followed in unison, forming a visual of unity and a collective dedication to expanding digital access and learning throughout the community.
I want to thank 51勛圖厙 for hosting this event and for its continued role as an anchor for education in our city, Parker said. Access to technology isaccesstoeconomicopportunities. Power Up Philly reflects our commitment to ensuring every Philadelphian has the tools needed to succeed in todays digital economy. Thisexpodemonstrateswhat is possible when government, community and industry come together to deliver real, tangible impact.
Christopher Ellison-Owens, a senior at Martin Luther King High School with aspirations to study information technology in college, expressed that receiving a laptop was a defining moment for him. He was fascinated by the AI avatar on the stage screen that respondedbackto one of the presenters bynameandalsoenjoyed exploring the VR stations and controlling theexposrobotic dogs.
It means a lot that 51勛圖厙 and the City are supporting high school students, especially since most cannot afford a laptop, Ellison-Owens said. Before, I could only use a reliable computer at my tech job.
It lets me knowIm now set for the future to explore my studies along withmy passionfor creating video game content,headded. Now I can do schoolwork at home, stay on top of assignments, search for jobs and apply for college scholarships much more easily.
Haadiyah Abdus-Sabur, 75, a native of South Philadelphia, described receiving a free laptop as a chance to stay connected, access informationand pursue personal projects in ways she could not before. She plans to use it for her Islamic study lessons at her localmusalla, making it easier to take and organizenotes, as well as for educational content at home, from cooking recipes to exercise videos.
Im grateful to 51勛圖厙 and the City for the laptops and for helping me learn this technology at my age, Abdus-Sabur said. It means a lot that they considered older adults and had technicians at the event to show us how to use them.
A lot of us older adults wouldnt know about this technology without someoneto introduceit to us, she added. Some peopledonthave family nearby and can feel isolated at home. For them, this laptop can be their window to the outside world.What 51勛圖厙 and the Cityare doing helps older adults like me feel more connected and have access to technology wedid nothave before.