Fifty Literacy Network students are taking their next steps with their own free laptop thanks to a partnership between Wisconsin Literacy, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), and Human-I-T. Students will use their new computers to support their education, career goals, and everyday lives.

Wisconsin Literacy received funding from PSC to distribute 3,000 laptops across the state. Each device comes equipped with Microsoft Office, antivirus protection, a five-year warranty, and five years of free digital navigation services from Human-I-T, including tech support, online skill-building training, and assistance finding affordable internet access.

Literacy Network students who had recently reached important milestones, including earning a high school credential, receiving an Altrusa scholarship, or graduating from our Transitions ESL program were eligible to receive a laptop. Many had borrowed a laptop for their studies, but wouldn't have had one for their next steps beyond Literacy Network and so were thrilled by the opportunity. As one student shared, "I would love to have a laptop. I need one...It will help me to go for further in my studies."

Students picked up their computers at several distribution events at Literacy Network (pictured above). Wisconsin Literacy's Jamie Kobs says, "It was so wonderful to be part of the laptop distribution and interact with some of the students receiving laptops. Several shared their stories with me, and I am honored that Wisconsin Literacy can be even a tiny part of helping them achieve their goals and dreams."

Thank you, Wisconsin Literacy, PSC, and Human-I-T, for this amazing opportunity!

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

5:30 pm

Fontana Sports, 216 N. Henry St, Madison

Join us for a Fontana Sports $5 5K for Literacy Network! Fontana Sports holds a weekly 5K to benefit a local nonprofit from May through October. June 24th's event will benefit Literacy Network students!

No registration is required, and both runners and walkers are welcome. To participate, simply show up, make your $5 donation, and set out on the 5K loop. After, enjoy post-run refreshments and get some swag from the brand sponsor of the month. 100% of proceeds will be donated to Literacy Network. Hope to see you there!

What advice would you give someone new to Wisconsin? During a recent beginner ESL class, students weighed in from their personal experience, including the response above. Other answers included, "Go to Devil's Lake," "Drive carefully," and "Don't be afraid to make mistakes."

For many of our students, Wisconsin is very different than their home county. Watch for information in the coming months about our new Life in the U.S. curriculum to support students in navigating this!

Support Literacy Network students when you stop by The Coopers Tavern! Throughout the entire month of June, Literacy Network will receive $1 from each sale of Third Space Brewing beer. Grab some friends and enjoy a night out in support of free adult literacy education!

Thank you, The Coopers Tavern and Third Space Brewing, for your generosity!

Please consider monthly and planned giving. Find out more here.