For immediate release

June 23, 2020

NC Department of Public Instruction, Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee and Lenovo Team Up to Bridge the Digital Divide

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), the Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee and Lenovo have teamed up to provide North Carolina students critical access to technology in support of remote learning needs. The Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee and its technology partner Lenovo, are providing 600 Chromebooks to the Columbus County and Richmond County school systems in the end of June.

State Superintendent Mark Johnson has already indicated that due to COVID-19, when NC public schools reopen for the 2020-21 school year, remote learning will likely continue in some capacity.

“During the last few months, we have seen first-hand the importance of remote learning but also the challenges and struggles that come with it,” said State Superintendent Johnson. “This donation by the Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee and Lenovo will go a long way in helping these two districts help their students. We are very grateful for the support from our partners.”

The Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee, led by current Panthers Chris Manhertz, Andre Smith and Stephen Weatherly, as well as Panthers legend Mike Rucker, is a group of players that provides support and assistance to organizations and causes across the Carolinas. Formed in 2018, the committee quickly engaged with NCDPI after the onset of the pandemic to identify school districts where additional technology resources are needed for remote learning.

“Due to COVID-19, the majority of schools have turned to virtual learning. I learned from Tara Galloway at the North Carolina Department of Instruction that many families do not have computers in their homes and can’t afford them,” said Carolina Panthers Linebacker Andre Smith, a member of the Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee. “Once this was brought to my attention, it was my responsibility to bring this to the Player Impact Committee and initiate this laptop program. I hope everyone gets involved because we can all do something to help others during these challenging times.”

With that need identified, the committee contacted North Carolina-based technology company Lenovo to request support in securing devices for the school districts.

“The sudden transition to distance learning put a spotlight on the digital divide that still exists and is a very real obstacle for too many K-12 students and public school systems,” said Matthew Zielinski, President, Lenovo North America. “Lenovo is committed to providing smarter technology for all and is proud to partner with the Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee to support Richmond and Columbus County students with technology resources that will help further their education.”

“This support could not have come at a better time,” said Deanne Meadows, Superintendent of Columbus County Schools. “Because so much uncertainty exists about the coming months, we are working towards our goal of having a device for every child so they can continue to learn at school and at home. The Player Impact Committee's generosity and commitment to rural communities demonstrates how important the organization is to North and South Carolina."

“The Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee continues to create positive change in underserved communities in North and South Carolina,” said Dr. Jeff Maples, Superintendent of Richmond County Schools. “As big Panther fans, these 300 Chromebooks will ensure that our students have access to digital devices during the pandemic and beyond --and that our Raiders will #KeepPounding."

The Chromebooks are scheduled to be delivered to the school systems later this month.

About the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is charged with implementing the state's public school laws for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public schools at the direction of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The agency provides leadership and service to the 116 local public school districts and 2,500+ district public schools, 180+ charter schools, and the three residential schools for students with hearing and visual impairments. The areas of support include curriculum and instruction, accountability, finance, teacher and administrator preparation and licensing, professional development and school business support and operations.

About the Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee
Formed in 2018, the Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee is a group of players seeking to create positive change and address social justice issues impacting underserved communities in North and South Carolina. The 2020 committee is led by Chris Manhertz, Andre Smith and Stephen Weatherly as well as Panthers Legend Mike Rucker. The focus areas for the committee include education, affordable housing, career opportunities for youth, criminal justice reform, police and community relations, violence, and voter participation as well as teen pregnancy prevention and support for teen mothers.

About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$50 billion Fortune Global 500 company, with 63,000 employees and operating in 180 markets around the world. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, we are developing world-changing technologies that create a more inclusive, trustworthy and sustainable digital society. By designing, engineering and building the world’s most complete portfolio of smart devices and infrastructure, we are also leading an Intelligent Transformation – to create better experiences and opportunities for millions of customers around the world.

Media Contacts

NCDPI – Graham Wilson, Communications Director, graham.wilson@dpi.nc.gov
Carolina Panthers - Bruce Speight, Carolina Panthers, bruce.speight@panthers.nfl.com
Lenovo – David Hamilton, North America PR Lead, dhamilton1@lenovo.com

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