Helping close the digital divide by putting laptops in the hands of college-bound students enrolled in the #Denton Ryan High School Talent Search Program. 2016/2017 was a good inaugural philanthropic effort for ^UpTop. Time to grow it.

1. Helping close the digital divide by putting laptops in the hands of college-bound
students enrolled in the Denton Ryan High School Talent Search Program.
Chris Briggs - Founder
uptop.contact@gmail.com

2. ^UpTop Denton
• Started Fall of 2016. An idea that wouldn’t get out of my head.
• Goal to put laptops in the hands of two deserving college-bound
students in need
• Partnered with Ryan High Talent Search program (Diane Owen)
• Non-profit status? No.
• Original fundraising goal of $1,500
• Raised $1,125 via GoFundMe (people other than me)
• Worked with Best Buy on price – great partner
• Purchased six Lenovo IdeaPads, extra memory, Office365 (1 year)

3. ^UpTop Denton
• Students must have their financial aid applications completed and
applied to at least one university by December
• Students who met these criteria were eligible to submit an essay that
would be used for selection
• Financial need
• Initiative and drive to attend a university
• Connecting the dots on how a laptop will assist them
• 16 applicants
• These students overcome adversity and refuse to be held back. THEY HAVE
GRIT.

5. Speaking with the entire Talent Search Program (9-12 grades)

6. The message of community… that people in our community
that don’t know you want to see you succeed… that is where
you are from and that is special. That resonates with these
students.

7. What Next?
• There is clearly a need in the community
• This can make an impact… “a ripple into the future”
• The concept has been proven. HOW DOES THIS GROW?
• More students in the Talent Search Program at Ryan. All of them?
• Expanding to Denton High School which also has a Talent Search Program
• Getting non-profit status or aligning with an organization that does
• More weight behind it… more momentum… more awareness