Temple and the City of Philadelphia partnered to distribute more than 1,600 free laptops to residents at the Power Up Philly: Community Tech Expo, held at the Aramark STAR Complex on Saturday, March 28. 

More than 1,600 free laptops were handed to Philadelphia residents at Temple’s Aramark STAR Complex on Saturday, March 28, as Main Campus hosted the Power Up Philly: Community Tech Expo. The event drew such high demand that long lines of attendees from across the city wrapped around the building once the doors opened. 

Hosted by Temple, the office of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, and the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT), the laptops went to 500 older adults, 500 high school students and 100 Temple students who preregistered, with hundreds more receiving the remaining laptops on a first-come, first-served basis. Temple President John Fry expressed pride in partnering with the City on this initiative that expands access to technology and strengthens economic mobility across Philadelphia. 

“As an anchor institution, we understand that digital access is foundational to education, workforce development and long-term community growth,” Fry said. “Power Up Philly demonstrates what is possible when higher education, government and community organizations come together to create pathways to opportunity.” 

Inside the STAR Complex, that mission came to life as participants entered through a colorful balloon archway and stepped onto the turf floor, where they were surrounded by interactive stations featuring some of the latest technology. From virtual reality gaming stations and quadruped robotic dogs responding to commands to on-site digital skills classes covering laptop basics, internet safety and artificial intelligence (AI) safety, the expo offered experiences that drew residents of all ages. Representatives from Dell, Microsoft, Lenovo and other partners also offered live demos and one-on-one tech support. 

Temple brought its commitment to the community at the expo, with representatives from the Lenfest Center for Community Workforce Partnerships, Temple Libraries, TechOWL, the Digital Access Center and Community Gateway tabling at the event. They shared resources ranging from free and low-cost workforce programs and digital literacy courses to public access and printing services at Temple’s Charles Library, giving residents a chance to learn about the many technology and educational services that the university offers. 

From the stage, Temple Vice President for Information Technology Larry Brandolph addressed attendees, celebrating the partnership with the City. He said, “At Temple, we are committed to supporting digital access and building pathways into technology careers and making sure innovation includes everyone. 

“That laptop represents a student being able to complete an assignment, a parent applying for a job, a way to access critical services and a young person discovering the future of technology,” he added. “Talent is everywhere in this city and opportunities should be too. Today is about investing in people, strengthening our community and making sure Philadelphia continues to rise together.”  

Mayor Parker energized the crowd from the stage, raising her index finger and encouraging attendees to do the same. Hundreds followed in unison, forming a visual of unity and a collective dedication to expanding digital access and learning throughout the community. 

“I want to thank Temple University for hosting this event and for its continued role as an anchor for education in our city,” Parker said. “Access to technology is access to economic opportunities. Power Up Philly reflects our commitment to ensuring every Philadelphian has the tools needed to succeed in today’s digital economy. This expo demonstrates what is possible when government, community and industry come together to deliver real, tangible impact.” 

Christopher Ellison-Owens, a senior at Martin Luther King High School with aspirations to study information technology in college, expressed that receiving a laptop was a defining moment for him. He was fascinated by the AI avatar on the stage screen that responded back to one of the presenters by name and also enjoyed exploring the VR stations and controlling the expo’s robotic dogs. 

“It means a lot that Temple and the City are supporting high school students, especially since most cannot afford a laptop,” Ellison-Owens said. “Before, I could only use a reliable computer at my tech job. 

“It lets me know I’m now set for the future to explore my studies along with my passion for creating video game content,” he added. “Now I can do schoolwork at home, stay on top of assignments, search for jobs and apply for college scholarships much more easily.” 

Haadiyah Abdus-Sabur, 75, a native of South Philadelphia, described receiving a free laptop as a chance to stay connected, access information and pursue personal projects in ways she could not before. She plans to use it for her Islamic study lessons at her local musalla, making it easier to take and organize notes, as well as for educational content at home, from cooking recipes to exercise videos. 

“I’m grateful to Temple and the City for the laptops and for helping me learn this technology at my age,” Abdus-Sabur said. “It means a lot that they considered older adults and had technicians at the event to show us how to use them. 

“A lot of us older adults wouldn’t know about this technology without someone to introduce it to us,” she added. “Some people don’t have family nearby and can feel isolated at home. For them, this laptop can be their window to the outside world. What Temple and the City are doing helps older adults like me feel more connected and have access to technology we did not have before.”