Ivy Tech Community College’s IvyCares program to stop loaning out laptops and hotspots to students

Ivy Tech Community College has decided to conclude IvyCares’ Technology Loaner Program at Ivy Tech Indianapolis at the end of the Summer 2026 term. This comes as the institution makes a strategic shift in its services. Loaner hotspots and laptops made available through the program will be available to students through the end of August 2026. After that, students will no longer be able to use the program to borrow technology.

Staff and faculty will work to help students who rely on the program through this transitional period. From now on, IvyCares will encourage its employees to reinforce the idea that a personal laptop is an essential tool for success in college, along the same lines as other required course materials, such as textbooks. 

The school has noted that many electronics retailers offer laptops that will serve students adequately well for around $300, and also offer payment plans and financing to make buying a laptop a more financially affordable experience.

Students in need of other financial assistance can contact some other community and nonprofit organizations that offer resources similar to those IvyCares is ending:

TAG Mobile’s Lifeline Program allows for qualifying low income people to obtain free mobile phone service as part of a federally supported program. It does not provide laptops, but its services may allow students to shift finances toward other technology-related expenses.

Dell Scholars Program offers financial support for technology as part of its national scholarship program available to qualifying high school seniors. This resource is not available to students currently attending college, but it might help some prospective students as they head off on their higher education journey. 

Computers with Causes is accepting applications from students who are experiencing financial hardship. Wait times may vary, and availability is limited, but eligible students can apply by filling out an application and mailing it in.

PCs for People works to provide low cost computers to people who meet its income requirements, or who participate in assistance programs recognized by the organization such as SSI, Medicaid, and SNAP. Students who think they are qualified can apply online.

Ivy Tech’s staff and faculty have also been instructed to make students aware of the school’s Laptop Specifications Guide, which should help students make well informed decisions when purchasing a laptop based on their unique academic needs.

More information about Ivy Tech Community College can be found on the school’s website.