Kramden Institute Celebrates 20 Years

Kramden Institute celebrated 20 years of digital equity work on November 15, 2023. Kramden was founded in 2003 by father and son Mark and Ned Dibner, who reversed and combined their names to make  “Kramden.”  The anniversary celebration took place at our office in Durham with volunteers, supporters, and donors in attendance. Together, we celebrated the progress we’ve made to bridge the digital divide in NC. We also unveiled our new logo and mission statement.

Since 2003, Kramden has distributed more than 52,000 computers to individuals in 84 counties of North Carolina and provided digital literacy training and STEAM education to more than 10,000 adults and youth. We have also diverted 2.4 million pounds of e-waste – the equivalent of 585 cars – from landfills. 

“In anticipation of this anniversary, our board and staff refreshed our values and branding, and recommitted to a mission of advancing equitable access to devices, connectivity, and technology education,” said Cyndy Yu-Robinson, Kramden’s Executive Director.  “Our new logo features three arches forming a bridge that symbolizes the three pillars of digital inclusion: devices, training, and affordable Internet access.”

James Weaver, North Carolina’s State Chief Information Officer, and Annette Taylor, director of the NC Office of Digital Equity and Literacy prepared remarks for the event. John Wilson of Wells Fargo, Kramden’s Board Chair, also spoke about how Kramden is connecting the future.

“As we reach this important milestone in Kramden’s journey, I know I speak for all of our staff as we give heartfelt gratitude to the community for letting us be a part of your lives these past twenty years,” Wilson said. “While tools to close the digital divide will continue to evolve, our commitment to meaningful human connections in the community will always be a constant.”

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate these milestones with us! We look forward to continuing to serve North Carolina by bringing digital equity to more people across the state.

How can you  get involved? 

GET TECH: K-12 students, their parents, or their teachers can apply for a free computer. Low income adults can buy desktops and laptops at a very low cost or complete a digital literacy class and earn a computer. Kramden also helps qualified families enroll for the Affordable Connectivity Program to help pay for internet at home.

LEARN TECH: Adults can enroll in an in-person basic computer skills class or online intermediate-level training for free. Kramden has also partnered with municipal agencies for a train-the-trainer model to enable local groups to teach digital literacy and job skills and distribute Kramden’s refurbished computers. 

GIVE TECH: Individuals and businesses who have surplus desktops, laptops, all-in-ones, or monitors can donate their equipment to Kramden. Kramden offers free pick-up from businesses, data destruction, and donation receipts. 

VOLUNTEER:  Join our mission by helping us refurbish computers or teach computer skills. No experience needed. Open to ages 16 and up. Corporate groups should ask about a Geek-A-Thon, refurbishing as a group at your office or ours.