Amazon Donates 8,200 Laptops To Seattle Students

SEATTLE, WA — Amazon will supply 8,2000 laptops to help "close the gap," allowing more students access to a computer to participate in online learning programs, the company announced Monday.

Gov. Jay Inslee ordered all schools closed in mid-March, through at least April 24, amid the coronavirus outbreak in Washington. According to the Seattle Times, the state superintendent indicated Friday that it was unlikely in-person instruction would resume this school year. Inslee will hold a press conference in Olympia at 2:30 p.m. Monday.

Since the closure began, Seattle teachers have worked to create learning opportunities via physical packets, video learning and digital instruction.

Seattle Public Schools said Amazon's donation, valued at $2 million, would kickstart a new Education Equity Fund to support students who lack access to technology and additional learning resources during widespread school closures.

"Making sure our kids have the ability to keep learning is one of the most important things we can collectively do during the COVID-19 crisis," said Andy Jassey, CEO of Amazon Web Services. "With this donation, we're focused on Seattle students from underserved and underrepresented communities who otherwise would not have access to these devices — which helps enable SPS to educate and assist all of their students during this pandemic."

Amazon said it will work with the school district to identify students in need and ship laptops directly to them, and students can keep the computers permanently to support learning beyond the public health crisis.

Those interested in supporting the school district's equity fund can learn how to donate here.