DURHAM, NC – Back in 2003, Ned Dibner mentioned to his father Mark that some students at his school did not have computers at home and together, they decided that summer to build computers for needy students. That idea, which began in their basement, evolved into the Kramden Intstitute, a Durham-based non-profit that has awarded more than 6,000 computers to students secondary schools identify as hard-working but lacking what has become a nearly essential learning tool.

This is achieved by collecting donated computers, refurbishing, and reusing computers thereby extending their useful lives and reducing e-waste and with the help of more than 3,000 volunteers so far.

Kramden is partnering with Tech Media on one of its Computers for Kids campaigns at the upcoming Internet Summit in Raleigh, NC, Nov. 17-18, where it will have a booth. (See: ‘Computers for Kids’ Campaign launched by the Kramden Institute and the Internet Summit).

Kramden’s Executive Director Carrie Clark tells us both Ned, who is now in college at Elon University, and Mark, who is chairman of the Institute, remain active. Kramden, by the ways, is Ned and Mark spelled backwards.

She says the Institute expects that 1,500 to 1,800 volunteers will work with them this year and it is on target to award 2,000 computers this year.

It holds regular events, every Wednesday at its Durham office (4915 Prospect Drive, Suite J) and monthly, including every third Saturday for Geek-a-Thons at its office or sponsored events off-site that use five shifts of volunteers to refurbish 180–200 computers by the end of the weekend. On Nov. 13, Kramden will be at Fort Bragg for the third time, awarding 250 computers to students with parents serving in the military.