Dumfries and Galloway College is to loan laptops to students who need them.
The South of Scotland college has taken delivery of 150 computers which it plans to distribute, along with a range of other devices, as part of its continuing effort to combat digital poverty in the region.
A lack of connectivity and technology was highlighted during a survey asking enrolling students for information on their needs and desires and how their college can better address and fulfil them.
Over 2000 students sent in replies to the questionnaire.
Students will be able to apply for a laptop and will have one allocated to them.
In addition, the college also plans to help students without good internet access by providing 4G Wi-Fi hotpots to students who do not have access to broadband.
Once college life returns to normal, the returned laptops will then be used as part of a laptop loan scheme once the flexible learning centre is redeveloped through a major programme of works to improve the learning experience of students.
Dumfries and Galloway College has played a key role in supporting those most in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, including providing food, vehicles, and IT resources and expertise where they are needed most within the community.
College leadership, headed up by Principal Joanna Campbell, has made supporting the local community and being an engine of positive change and development in the South of Scotland a priority for the college, an approach she and her team intend to continue to build upon into the future.
Principal Joanna Campbell said:
“Access to high-quality laptops and internet is an essential part of modern life and that applies to college too.
“That’s why my team and I are committed to making sure that all our students have the access to the digital tools that they need to succeed.
“At Dumfries and Galloway College, we recognise and appreciate that making sure our students have this level of access will not only help them do well for themselves but will also help them play the role that we know they’re keen to play in the local community and we will do everything we can to help them.”
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