CENTENNIAL, Colo., January 30, 2025 /3BL/ - Arrow Electronics is helping The N50 Project – a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to technology – fulfill its mission by supporting the launch of a new connected, digital lab in a primary school in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The N50 Project estimates that nearly half the world’s schools are unable to provide reliable online services, and 1.3 billion students still can’t access the Internet at home. Labs like the one in Guadalajara are designed to bridge that divide. Equipped with 40 workstations, interactive SMART boards and technology to stabilize Internet connectivity, the lab will provide 160 fifth and sixth graders with the skills they need to compete in Guadalajara’s fast-growing digital economy.
“The location where you were born should not keep you from accessing the digital world. That's the gap we're trying to close, and we work tirelessly to do it," said N50 Executive Director Daniel Gutwein.
A consortium of companies, including Arrow, is working with The N50 Project to develop and deploy “Connectivity Kits” that include everything a school would need to build a digital lab. To maximize resources, the kit includes software that enables N50 and its partners to transform one device into four powerful and independent student workstations. Powered by Intel® software, the kit gives students full-sized, standard monitors, keyboards, and mice to explore, create, and learn, while empowering teachers with efficient classroom management.
Intel, along with ApplianSys, SMART and ASUS, contribute hardware/software for the Connectivity Kit. Arrow integrates those components according to N50 guidelines and handles shipping and delivery to the end destination. Arrow will support the Guadalajara lab and provide mentorship to students, contributing to its long-term stability.
Arrow is working with the N50 Project to deploy another lab in a technical high school in Mexico City.
“At Arrow, we recognize the pivotal role we can play in benefiting the communities where we live and work,” said Gretchen Zech, Arrow senior vice president and chief governance, sustainability and human resources officer. “This includes taking positive action that enables students to pursue STEM education. With this project, we aim to advance tech-forward innovations that enhance the lives of students and broaden STEM education opportunities.”
With its low-cost and potential for scalability, the N50 Connectivity Kits could be key for schools in low and middle-income countries. N50 hopes to deploy hundreds of Connectivity Kits in Africa and the Americas over the next three years. Mexico alone has plans to build thousands of high schools.
About Arrow Electronics:
Arrow Electronics sources and engineers technology solutions for thousands of leading manufacturers and service providers. With global 2023 sales of $33 billion, Arrow’s portfolio enables technology across major industries and markets. Learn more at arrow.com.
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