CHICAGO, IL. In a world where digital access can determine the trajectory of a young person’s future, one man, thousands of miles away, is making sure that no student gets left behind.
Edgardo Hernal, the chairman of the Chromebook Grant Project and a proud member of the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Midwest Alumni Association based in Chicago, Illinois, is the driving force behind a life-changing initiative that provides Chromebooks to marginalized high school students in the Philippines.
What began as a modest dream to help a few students stay connected to online learning during the height of the pandemic has now grown into a full-fledged movement. Under Hernals’ leadership, the project has completed three waves of donations, distributing over 300 Chromebooks across underserved communities in the Mindanao and Luzon regions.
“Our goal is simple: to give hope through access,” Hernal says. “For many of these students, owning a personal computer was unthinkable. Now, they have a tool that connects them to learning, to opportunity, and to the future.”
As chairman, Hernal not only leads the project but also serves as the primary contact for many of the generous donors who make the initiative possible. His tireless efforts have garnered support from both local and international sources, fueling the expansion of the program and allowing the project to touch the lives of more students each year.
The Chromebook Grant Project is part of the broader outreach efforts of the APO Midwest Alumni Association, a group of Filipino professionals and APO members in the U.S. dedicated to service, camaraderie, and nation-building. While the association supports various programs—including medical missions and scholarship funds—the Chromebook Grant Project stands out for its direct impact on educational equity.
“It’s more than just a donation,” Hernal adds. “It’s an investment in the next generation of Filipino leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.”
Each wave of Chromebook distribution is thoughtfully planned, often working with local schools and community partners to identify the students who need them most. From rural towns in Zamboanga del Norte in Mindanao to public high schools in Northern Luzon, the recipients are often children of farmers, fisherfolk, or single mothers. students with potential, only needing a chance.
Though Hernal did not grow up in poverty, his deep commitment to service was shaped by his time in APO and his strong ties to the Philippines. “I’ve always believed that giving back is not just a duty, it’s a privilege. We are where we are because someone helped us along the way—and now we have the chance to do the same.”
With more waves planned and a growing number of supporters, the Chromebook Grant Project is a shining example of how diaspora communities can uplift their homeland, not just with donations but with heart.
Edgardo Hernal encourages those interested in joining the mission to make a donation or partner with the project. “Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to empowering Filipino youth and providing them with opportunities to succeed in a digital world,” he says.
