GREENFIELD — With $100,000 in donor funding to support the purchase of new laptops, any student in need of a computer for their fall semester at Greenfield Community College will have access to one.

The laptops and other devices will be available to check out at no cost through the college’s technology lending library. These computers, to be purchased with money raised by the GCC Foundation, will be available for matriculated students in September.

“We are thrilled to help GCC provide much-needed technology for GCC students so they can successfully pursue their education,” said Alexis Page, executive director of the GCC Foundation.

Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Chet Jordan said while the technology lending program itself already existed, the $100,000 GCC received from the foundation will ensure a laptop will be available “to every student who wants one.” The number of laptops the college buys will depend on student demand.

“One of the top needs for community college students is in the area of technology,” Jordan said. “Since we’ve seen an increase in the number of online courses since the pandemic, the needs for good technology is essential.”

The technology lending library is operated through GCC’s library. The lending library also features other items students can borrow at no cost, such as Wi-Fi hotspots, digital cameras, voice recorders and more.

“We, like a lot of educational institutions, benefit so greatly for our donors that we’re able to respond to our needs,” Jordan said. “That’s important for our community to hear because that’s part of our connection to the community. We want to make sure we offer them services that our neighbors need. We can only do that through the donations we get through the foundation and we’re very grateful.”

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.

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