Knight recently announced its support for Project L.I.F.T, a five-year, $55 million initiative to improve student achievement in West Charlotte schools. Part of our support will ensure laptops will be provided for of all Kindergarten-through-fifth grade students in seven L.I.F.T schools. Below, David Jessup, Jr. and Monique Pollock of One Laptop per Child write about a recent event.

On the evening of Oct. 25, nearly 400 students, parents and community members got a first look at the XO laptops that will be distributed to first through fourth grades students attending Project L.I.F.T. Zone schools later in the 2012-13 school-year. 

The distribution of the laptops is a part of the One Laptop per Child program, which will provide nearly 2,500 elementary students with their very own personal connected laptop. The program is funded by Knight Foundation to increase digital access to Project L.I.F.T. families. 

During the event, students, parents and community members had an opportunity to experience the “XO Lounge,” a fun atmosphere that featured laptop tutorials, an informal Q&A session, music and promotional giveaways.

Feedback from attendees was positive and it is apparent that Project L.I.F.T. families and the West Charlotte community are excited and ready for the XO laptops!

This is just the beginning of this journey to provide Project L.I.F.T. students with tools to compete as 21st century learners.

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Knight also supports the One Laptop Per Child Program at Miami’s Holmes Elementary School as part of its efforts to help bridge the digital divide