TDI Connect Receives $100,000 Grant
Trenton N.J. – The Trenton City Council has approved a resolution awarding $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) funds to TDI Connect, an all-volunteer organization that is part of United Way of Greater Mercer County, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Under ARP guidelines, the City can allocate federal relief funds to local organizations that aid in expanding broadband infrastructure and providing household assistance.
TDI Connect accepts, refurbishes, and donates personal computers to in-need groups and individuals in the Trenton area.
“TDI Connect greatly assisted the Trenton community at the height of the greatest health crisis of our time,” stated Mayor Reed Gusciora. “It is not only warranted, but essential that we use ARP funds to give back to an organization that helped our residents secure the equipment that quickly became a necessity to pandemic life.”
In over 8 years of operation, TDI has donated over 2,500 PCs to the Trenton Community. In 2020 alone, in response to the colossal increase in demand, TDI donated over 1,250 refurbished PCs to Trenton residents and families.
At-Large Trenton City Councilwoman Crystal Feliciano noted, “Each donated device takes between $25 to $75 to refurbish and I am proud to support this amazing work that benefits students and senior citizens alike. As a teacher in the Trenton Public Schools, I am encouraged by how our community has been coming together to bring a brighter day to Trenton.”
“We are grateful for this wonderful support from the City Council,” said Ray Ingram of TDI Connect. “This funding will help us recoup pandemic expenses and continue to provide PC equipment to Trenton residents and to introduce a training program to help the community become self-sufficient.”
The Trenton Public School District, a recipient of donated electronic devices from TDI Connect, hosted Trenton’s elected officials to celebrate the appropriations to TDI Connect. The Trenton Public Schools have recently increased the number of IT support specialists to assist with the newly restructured school district. Before this year’s redistricting, TPS had seven technicians for 20 schools and has now increased the team to 14 technicians serving 25 schools.
North Ward Trenton City Councilwoman Jen Williams affirmed, “TDI Connect’s actions and mission highlight the strength of our community. TDI Connect stepped up in a time of crisis to help those most in need and has become a model of service to the Trenton community. In the twenty-first century, every Trentonian deserves to have their own personal computer. Both youth and seniors alike.”
The Trenton Public Schools also launched a new help desk and a full-time IT service project manager to support the district’s technology needs. In addition to redeveloping the district’s network infrastructure, the Trenton Public School District announced a new partnership with Apple Education is underway to move the district towards a true integration of technology via a 1:1 iPad initiative.
