Arrow Electronics, a global provider of products, services, and solutions, today announced its support for The N50 Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding access to technology and education. Arrow is collaborating with N50 to equip a primary school in Guadalajara, Mexico, with a new connected digital lab.
Recognizing that nearly half of the world’s schools lack reliable online access and 1.3 billion students lack home internet access, The N50 Project focuses on bridging this digital divide. The new lab in Guadalajara, equipped with 40 workstations, interactive SMART boards, and robust internet connectivity, will provide 160 fifth and sixth graders with the essential digital skills they need to thrive in today’s increasingly digital world.
“The location where you were born should not keep you from accessing the digital world,” said Daniel Gutwein, Executive Director of The N50 Project. “That’s the gap we’re trying to close, and we work tirelessly to do it.”
To effectively address this challenge, Arrow is collaborating with a consortium of companies, including Intel, ApplianSys, SMART, and ASUS, to develop and deploy “Connectivity Kits.” These all-in-one kits contain everything a school needs to establish a functional digital lab, including hardware, software, and connectivity solutions.
Leveraging Intel® software, the kits enable the transformation of a single device into four powerful and independent student workstations. This innovative approach maximizes resource utilization and ensures that students have access to the necessary tools for learning and exploration.
Beyond hardware and software, Arrow is actively involved in supporting the long-term success of the Guadalajara lab. This includes mentorship for students and ongoing support to ensure the sustainability of the program.
“At Arrow, we recognize the pivotal role we can play in benefiting the communities where we live and work,” said Gretchen Zech, Arrow senior vice president and chief governance, sustainability and human resources officer. “This includes taking positive action that enables students to pursue STEM education. With this project, we aim to advance tech-forward innovations that enhance the lives of students and broaden STEM education opportunities.”
The N50 Connectivity Kits, with their cost-effectiveness and scalability, offer a promising solution for schools in low and middle-income countries. The N50 Project aims to deploy hundreds of these kits in Africa and the Americas over the next three years. With plans to build thousands of high schools in Mexico alone, this initiative has the potential to significantly impact the lives of countless students.
