IT business analyst intern Shayaan Nazeer recently organized a group of interns and staff members to volunteer at the Kramden Institute, a nonprofit in Durham that provides technology tools and training to bridge the digital divide.
Shayaan said his experiences at NCDIT have helped him see the technology needs in North Carolina.
“Working at NCDIT, we see firsthand how crucial technology is, so bridging the digital divide is a cause that really resonates with me. I wanted to find a hands-on way for us to give back to the local community,” he said. “I reached out to my peers who share a passion for tech accessibility, and everyone was incredibly eager to jump in and dedicate their time.”
In addition to Shayaan and his supervisor, Business Analysis Director Mona Nazir, the NCDIT volunteers included Aadya Maurya, Collin Riggs, Joshitha Muthukrishnan, Latarian Lassiter and Stephen Clark.
On Feb. 27, they refurbished about 50 donated computers, replacing hardware and wiping and reinstalling operating systems.
“What stood out was seeing how the group helped each other out stepbystep through setting up the components, and it was fun getting the refurbished devices to power on,” Mona said.
Kramden will distribute the refurbished laptops to K-12 students and low-income families who are in need of computers.
“I hope these computers serve as a gateway to new opportunities,” Shayaan said. “For the K-12 students, having reliable access to a device at home is essential for their education and academic success. For the families, it provides vital access to everyday resources, like job applications, telehealth services and digital literacy tools, that can truly empower them.”
Mona said these collaborative experiences together help both interns and staff see the value of their work.
“Interns get practical technical skills and a clear sense of how their work supports digital inclusion. Staff benefit too by developing coaching skills and seeing how new learners engage with Kramden’s mission,” she said. “It creates a collaborative atmosphere where everyone grows and stays connected to the impact of the work.”
