Partnership works to close the digital divide
South Asheboro Middle School (SAMS) in partnership with Kramden Institute in Durham is working to close the digital divide by providing computers to 
families without one in their home. The program at SAMS is called “A Mouse in Every House,” with the ultimate goal for all SAMS families to have a computer in the home for educational use.
On Saturday, October 9th, 36 SAMS families received a CPU, flat panel monitor, keyboard, mouse, and necessary cables. Each computer is equipped with a clean and legal version of Windows, as well as the Open Office suite. The computers are also equipped with the connections needed for high-speed internet access.
The Kramden Institute is a non-profit organization formed for the sole purpose of closing the digital divide. Mike Renne, technology teacher at SAMS, is a volunteer with the organization. Through his vision and work with the organization, South Asheboro Middle School is the first school partnership with Kramden.
The Kramden Institute seeks and receives computers donated from the high tech corporations in the Triangle area as they upgrade their equipment. The computers go through an extensive refurbishing process and are prepped for student use.
While the vision of the Kramden Institute is for families to pay $40 for the computer, staff at South Asheboro Middle School raised enough money to reduce the cost per family to $20. In order to receive a computer, families completed a simple application. 
South Asheboro Middle School is continuing to seek donations from interested parties, and will continue to distribute computers until all hardworking students have a computer at home to complete their school work. Additional information about the program can be found at http://www.samsmouse.org/index.html.