The Normandale Community College Foundation is excited to announce a recent donation of $105,000 to its Free Laptop Program. The gift, which is intended to be an annual donation, is a collective effort from a group of friends and business professionals with roots in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Jim Hays, a native of North Minneapolis, has been a loyal donor to the Normandale Foundation since 2022, despite having no previous connection to the college. Hays established Hays Companies in 1994, an insurance brokerage, which he sold in 2018. Hays and former colleagues Mike Egan, Thomas Fish, Stephen Lerum, William Merson, and John Newhouse donated a total of $105,000 to directly support Normandale’s Free Laptop Program. Each individual came from humble beginnings and shares a deep desire to make a positive difference in the world.
“We want to help people by giving them the resources to complete college and make better lives for themselves and their families,” Hays said. “Buying laptops, which helps individuals improve their performance, is an easy task.”
Normandale’s Free Laptop Program was introduced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when students had to abruptly shift to online learning, immediately calling into question the accessibility of reliable internet and computers. The program’s goal is to ensure that all students, especially those from marginalized communities, have the necessary tools to succeed in their education.
“I’ve never had the opportunity to receive such a valuable and life-changing device,” said one laptop recipient named Karla. “I’ve always had to use borrowed and used devices in order to succeed in school.”
Since 2020, Normandale has distributed over 3,700 laptops to students who needed them as an academic resource. During the most recent distribution, 80% of the students receiving laptops were underrepresented (students of color, low income, or first-generation).
“When students receive their laptops, they are often overwhelmed to learn that this is a gift they can keep,” said Beena Cook, Director of the Tutoring & Writing Centers and Manager of the Free Laptop Program. “Recipients are moved to tears by this gesture of support. This program provides essential technology, and it fosters a sense of community and collaboration among our college and the students who rely on this critical resource.”
Initial data has shown that giving a laptop to a Black student reduces the equity gap by over one-third when compared to low-income white students—which is Normandale’s largest equity gap. This means that students’ GPAs can increase from a C to a B or an A by just receiving a laptop. On an individual basis, the gift of a laptop can be the deciding factor for a student to continue earning their degree or dropping out entirely.
“When I was told that it raises students’ grades by at least one letter, that made a difference to me,” Hays said. “If you can get these results, this is a no-brainer. Getting an associate degree will change someone’s path in life,” Jim Hays said. “Potentially getting them started down the bachelor’s or master’s degree route will change everything for them.”
Hays, who was a first-generation college student, and his colleagues came from low-income households to eventually own community banks, home healthcare businesses, Lloyd’s of London underwriting businesses, and more. “We all believe ‘leave the place better than you found it,’” Hays said. “This is one of the programs we are involved in to help make that happen.”
Laptop student recipient Majed was grateful, and also inspired to pay the generosity forward. “Your kindness has not only given me a tool for success but also inspired me to help others. I truly appreciate your support,” said laptop recipient Majed.
To receive a laptop, students complete an online application, which is reviewed by staff on a rolling basis, and refurbished laptops are provided by Minnesota Tech for Success.
The goal is to continue to expand the reach of the laptop program to ensure that all students, particularly those from marginalized communities, have access to the necessary tools for their education. The program continues to be monitored to assess its impact on overall student success. As the program grows, donations are still needed to assure that every Normandale student has the support they need to succeed and thrive.
“Give a kid an opportunity and they will all work it out. I think that if everyone gets the same opportunity, pretty much everybody will be successful,” Hays said.
To contribute to the Free Laptop Program or other Normandale programs, visit https://www.normandale.edu/why-normandale/foundation.
top
