The IVC Foundation and AT&T provided laptops to 33 students, supporting access and academic success during their laptop distribution event held Wednesday, May 13. (Photo courtesy of Imperial Valley College Foundation)

IVC Foundation and AT&T Help Bridge the Digital Divide for 33 Imperial Valley College Students

05/15/2026

Laptop Giveaway IMPERIAL — Reliable access to a personal computer can make a significant difference in a student’s ability to complete coursework, stay connected to campus resources, and remain on track academically. To help address those needs, 33 Imperial Valley College students

received new laptop computers and carrying cases during a distribution event held Wednesday, May 13, through a technology assistance initiative supported by the Imperial Valley College Foundation and AT&T.

The project was made possible through a $20,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation, which supports initiatives focused on expanding digital access and educational opportunities in underserved communities.

During the May 13 distribution ceremony, students received their laptops directlyfrom representatives of the IVC Foundation, IVC leadership, and AT&T. John Heffernan, who oversees community and government relations efforts for AT&T in the region, attended the event and assisted with distributing the laptops to students.

Dr. Dejon Davis, Dean of Student Equity and Achievement at IVC, welcomed students during the event and expressed appreciation for the partnership and investment in students.

“This investment is more than technology; it is an investment in access, opportunity, and student success,” said Dr. Davis. “For many students, these laptops will help remove barriers, strengthen academic engagement, and create greater access to learning both inside and outside the classroom.”

Two student recipients, Frank Martinez and Crystal Mercado, also shared remarks during the ceremony, speaking about the impact that reliable technology access can have on student learning, coursework completion, and overall academic success.

Todd Evangelist, Executive Director of the IVC Foundation, emphasized the importance of community partnerships in helping students overcome barriers to education.

“Companies like AT&T are not obligated to support these types of projects. They do it because they see the value of investing in Imperial Valley and specifically students here at IVC,” said Evangelist. “They see the potential in these students, and so does the IVC Foundation.”

The laptop distribution initiative reflects the continued commitment of the IVC Foundation and IVC to expanding equitable access to educational resources and supporting students both inside and outside the classroom.

Students selected for the program were identified based on demonstrated need and limited access to reliable computer technology, helping ensure they have the tools necessary to participate fully in coursework, online learning, research, and campus engagement opportunities.

For many students, access to dependable technology remains a critical factor in academic achievement, particularly in rural and underserved communities where barriers to digital access continue to impact educational opportunities.

The IVC Foundation continues to work alongside community partners, donors, and organizations to provide resources that support student success and strengthen educational opportunities throughout the region.