The program, announced earlier this week by the university's president, A. Zachary Faison, represents a significant investment in digital equity at Florida's first historically black college and university (HBCU), positioning EWU at the forefront of educational technology integration among minority-serving institutions.
"We're not just preparing students for college—we're equipping them for the future," university officials stated in announcing the initiative. The program aligns with EWU's broader mission of academic innovation while addressing persistent digital divide issues that disproportionately affect students from underserved communities.
To receive and retain their iPad, students must meet specific criteria designed to promote academic success and program sustainability. Recipients must be registered and cleared first-time freshmen who maintain full-time enrollment for at least two academic terms. This structure encourages student retention while ensuring the investment reaches students committed to completing their education.
