QEDC Executive Director Ben Guttmann held a computer during the giveaway.
One hundred students received one free laptop each at the New York Hall of Science on Saturday, January 31, thanks to a collaboration between the Queens Economic Development Corporation, Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.’s Office, and AT&T. Plus, Queens Public Library representatives provided tutorials on how to use the laptops.
All the beneficiaries attend academic institutions in Community School District 28 Queens, which encompasses Briarwood, Forest Hills, Jamaica, Kew Gardens, Rego Park, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, and South Richmond Hill.
The giveaway took place during the fourth annual Queens Tech & Career Expo 2026 at the Corona science museum, where more than 50 technology experts presented on everything from artificial intelligence and learning labs while AT&T offered onsite demos.
“If Queens is to become the nation’s leading tech hub like we know it can and should be, we must break down the barriers to entry that have made it difficult for members of historically marginalized communities to fully participate in New York’s fastest-growing economic sector,” added Borough President Richards. “With our annual Queens Tech & Career Expo and our many other tech-related initiatives, my administration is boldly tearing down these persistent barriers. Our entire borough and city are better off when everyone has a fair opportunity to benefit from the high-paying jobs that are increasingly available in the tech sector.”
QPL Learning Support Specialist Pingping Du (left, glasses) and QPL Outreach and Partnership Specialist EnMei Chen provided training on computer usage.
“Watching the children smile when they received their computers was incredible. I hope they use them to learn, connect, and build the next world-changing startup,” stated QEDC Executive Director Ben Guttmann. “Special thanks to AT&T, Borough President Richards, and the Queens Public Library for spearheading this effort and their continued partnership with QEDC.”