EqOpTech Deploys Refurbished Laptops to East Palo Alto Students

By Daniel Lim, EqOpTech Intern

EqOpTech of Los Altos, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit donated 56 refurbished laptops to middle school students living in East Palo Alto, most of which have never owned a laptop before.

Providing equal access to technology for at-risk students

Many children have never owned a laptop, so they are unable to do research projects or homework assigned to them at school. To make do, they have to borrow their parents’ smartphones when they are home to complete their work. However, the screens are too small and cause a strain on the eyes, not to mention the fact that the keyboards are tiny and unwieldy; a proper laptop is much better for work. The EqOpTech students-help-students program seeks to benefit needy students with technology tools and training to enhance their ability to excel academically. Since 2015, EqOpTech has launched a program to recycle, refurbish and redeploy unwanted laptops to support and teach the Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) program benefiting underserved students in San Jose, Mountain View, Los Altos and East Palo Alto.

Each of EqOpTech’s Macbooks have been refurbished to replace their outdated Mac OS software. Students will now have easy access to computers for home use to take online classes such as Khan Academy and collaborate with classmates in online homework and research.

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How can you help?

We are seeking functioning laptops (Windows & Mac) with appropriate power adapters on an ongoing basis. Each laptop will be refurbished to its full functionality with operating system and removal of all personal data prior to redeployment. All donated laptops will be refurbished and redeployed to at risk students in Los Altos, Mountain View, San Jose and East Palo Alto.

To donate, please drop off at Santa Rita Elementary School office (700 Los Altos Avenue, Los Altos) from now until May 31st, 2019 Monday to Friday from 8 to 4 pm. Please disable any password prior to donating. All donations are tax-deductible. Tax receipt will be provided upon request (e-mail contact@eqoptech.org). Your tax deductible donation allows us to connect people and create partnerships around the communities.

About EqOpTech
EqOpTech Inc. is an IRS-designated tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that enables free, equal opportunity learning via access to technology in under-served community. EqOpTech provides easy access to computer hardware, software, and mentor support in STEM education. For more information, visit www.EqOpTech.org. Follow EqOpTech on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

Our Equal Opportunity Technology program is made possible thanks to Los Altos Community Foundation community grant award. Visit here for more information.