Community Tech Access
Free Devices. Real Support. Lasting Impact.
Technology shouldn’t be a barrier to opportunity. Our Community Tech Access program provides fully refurbished laptops to students, job seekers, and families who need them most – completely free of charge.
What We Provide:
- Professionally refurbished laptops with up-to-date operating systems and essential software
- Access to our complete library of online courses covering digital literacy, job skills, and more
- One-on-one coaching sessions to build confidence and competency with technology
- Ongoing technical support to ensure recipients can make the most of their devices
Who Qualifies:
- Students without home access to computers
- Job seekers needing technology for applications and training
- Families living below the poverty line
- Individuals transitioning out of difficult circumstances
- Seniors seeking to stay connected with family and community
Every device comes with the tools and support needed to succeed. We don’t just hand over hardware – we ensure recipients have everything they need to thrive in a digital world.
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E-Waste Collection Drives
Turn Your Old Tech Into Community Impact
Electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world, and it’s toxic to our environment. Our collection drives make it easy for the community to dispose of electronics responsibly while directly supporting our mission.
How It Works: We partner with schools, businesses, churches, and community organizations to host convenient collection events throughout Cumberland County. Donors drop off their unwanted electronics, and we handle the rest – from secure data destruction to responsible recycling or refurbishment.
What We Accept:
- Computers, laptops, and tablets
- Smartphones and cell phones
- Monitors and displays
- Keyboards, mice, and peripherals
- Networking equipment
- Printers and scanners
- Cables and accessories
Environmental Impact: Every device collected is one less item in a landfill. Viable devices get refurbished and redistributed to those in need. Non-repairable items are broken down through certified recycling partners, recovering valuable materials while keeping hazardous substances out of our soil and water.
Host a Drive: Want to organize a collection event at your organization? We provide everything you need – promotional materials, collection bins, volunteer coordination, and pickup services. It’s an easy way to make a measurable difference in your community.
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Digital Skills Training
Building Confidence, One Skill at a Time
Having a device is only the first step. Our Digital Skills Training program ensures community members have the knowledge and confidence to use technology effectively for education, employment, and everyday life.
Training Focus Areas:
For Job Seekers:
- Resume creation and formatting
- Online job search strategies
- Video interview preparation
- Professional email communication
- Using Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
For Caregivers & Parents:
- Helping children with online learning
- Monitoring digital safety and screen time
- Accessing school portals and communication tools
- Supporting homework and research skills
For Everyone:
- Basic computer navigation and file management
- Internet safety and recognizing scams
- Email and communication tools
- Online banking and bill payment
- Accessing government services and healthcare portals
Program Formats: We meet people where they are – literally and figuratively. Training is available through one-on-one tutoring, small group workshops at community centers, and remote learning options for those with transportation barriers.
All instruction is patient, judgment-free, and tailored to individual learning speeds. We celebrate every milestone, no matter how small.
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Awareness Campaigns
Education That Empowers
Technology is powerful, but it also brings risks. Our Awareness Campaigns educate community members on cyber safety, AI literacy, and environmental sustainability through interactive workshops at schools, libraries, and community centers.
Campaign Topics:
Cyber Safety:
- Recognizing phishing attempts and online scams
- Password security and two-factor authentication
- Protecting personal information online
- Safe social media practices for teens
- Identity theft prevention
AI Literacy:
- Understanding how AI works and where it’s used
- Identifying AI-generated content
- Ethical considerations and bias in AI systems
- Using AI tools responsibly and effectively
E-Waste & Sustainability:
- The environmental impact of electronic waste
- Extending device lifecycles through proper care
- Responsible disposal and recycling options
- The connection between e-waste and digital equity
Where We Present: We bring our workshops to schools, libraries, senior centers, community organizations, and corporate wellness programs. Each session is interactive, practical, and designed to leave participants with actionable knowledge they can use immediately.
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Run for Tech Marathons
Every Mile Funds Digital Literacy
Fitness meets purpose in our Run for Tech Marathon events. These sustainability-focused running events raise awareness about e-waste while generating funds to support our digital literacy programs.
Event Details: Participants run or walk to raise money for refurbished devices and digital training programs. Every registration fee and sponsorship dollar goes directly to bridging the digital divide in underserved communities.
What Makes It Unique:
- Eco-friendly event planning with minimal waste
- Educational stations along the route highlighting e-waste facts
- Family-friendly distances for all fitness levels
- Community celebration bringing together runners, donors, and program participants
- Visible impact – see exactly how many devices your miles funded
Get Involved: Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a casual walker, there’s a place for you in our Run for Tech events. Participate as a runner, volunteer at the event, or sponsor a participant to amplify your impact.
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Tech Mentorship Program
Human Connection Makes Learning Stick
Technology can be overwhelming, especially when navigating career transitions or learning new systems. Our Tech Mentorship Program pairs tech professionals with program participants for ongoing guidance, support, and encouragement.
How It Works: Mentors and mentees meet regularly – in person or virtually – to work through challenges, practice new skills, and build confidence. Whether someone is preparing for a career change, mastering new software for work, or simply trying to stay connected with family, mentors provide the patient, personalized support that makes all the difference.
What Mentors Provide:
- Career guidance and job search support
- Technical troubleshooting and skill development
- Accountability and encouragement
- Real-world insights from industry experience
- Networking connections and professional advice
Who Can Mentor: Tech professionals at any career stage can make an impact. Whether you’re in IT support, software development, cybersecurity, project management, or any tech-adjacent field, your knowledge and experience are valuable to someone starting their journey.
Who Receives Mentorship:
- Adults re-entering the workforce after a career gap
- Individuals transitioning into tech careers
- Recent program graduates building confidence
- Job seekers needing interview practice and resume feedback
- Anyone feeling overwhelmed by technology changes
The mentorship relationship is flexible, supportive, and focused on the mentee’s specific goals and challenges.
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Senior Tech Cafés
Drop In, Get Help, Stay Connected
Technology shouldn’t isolate our older adults – it should connect them. Our Senior Tech Cafés are regular, informal drop-in sessions at senior centers where older adults get friendly, patient help with smartphones, tablets, video calls, and staying connected with family.
What We Help With:
- Setting up and using smartphones and tablets
- Video calling with grandchildren
- Managing photos and sharing memories
- Online banking and bill payment
- Accessing telehealth appointments
- Social media basics (Facebook, email, texting)
- Recognizing and avoiding scams
- App downloads and account setup
Why Cafés Work: The relaxed, social atmosphere makes learning less intimidating. Seniors help each other, share tips, and build friendships while gaining confidence with technology. Our volunteers provide one-on-one assistance at each person’s own pace – no question is too small, and no skill level is too basic.
Café Locations: We partner with senior centers, retirement communities, and libraries throughout Cumberland County to bring Tech Cafés directly to where seniors already gather. Sessions are free, and no advance registration is required.
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Youth Repair Workshops
Fix It, Don’t Toss It
Today’s teens are digital natives, but many have never opened a device or held a screwdriver. Our Youth Repair Workshops teach young people basic electronics repair, giving them hands-on technical skills while extending device lifecycles and reducing e-waste.
What Teens Learn:
- How computers, smartphones, and tablets actually work
- Safe disassembly and component identification
- Diagnosing common hardware problems
- Screen replacement, battery swaps, and RAM upgrades
- Using basic tools and following repair guides
- When to repair vs. when to recycle
Why It Matters: These workshops build confidence, teach problem-solving, and demystify technology. Participants discover they’re capable of fixing things, not just consuming them. Many teens leave inspired to pursue tech careers or simply become more resourceful with the devices they own.
Skills Beyond Repair:
- Critical thinking and troubleshooting
- Patience and attention to detail
- Environmental responsibility
- Self-sufficiency and resourcefulness
Workshops are held at schools, community centers, and our facility. All tools and materials are provided, and teens take home the satisfaction of fixing something with their own hands.
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Digital Equity Scholarships
Removing Barriers to Tech Careers
Certifications open doors, but training costs create barriers. Our Digital Equity Scholarships subsidize professional certification courses for low-income individuals pursuing careers in technology and digital fields.
Covered Certifications:
- CompTIA (A+, Network+, Security+)
- Google Career Certificates (IT Support, Data Analytics, Project Management)
- Microsoft Office Specialist
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Web development and design
- Digital marketing credentials
What Scholarships Include:
- Course tuition and learning materials
- Exam fees and certification costs
- Access to practice tests and study resources
- One-on-one tutoring and exam preparation support
- Career counseling and job placement assistance
Who Qualifies: Individuals demonstrating financial need and genuine commitment to building a career in technology. We prioritize applicants who face systemic barriers to education and employment, including formerly incarcerated individuals, single parents, veterans, and people transitioning out of poverty.
Investment in Futures: By removing the financial barrier to certification, we help capable people access careers that can transform their economic circumstances. Recipients don’t just earn credentials – they gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities to build sustainable careers in growing fields.
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Support Our Programs
Every program we offer depends on community support – through donations, volunteering, partnerships, and spreading the word. Together, we’re building a more digitally equitable North Carolina, one device and one skill at a time.
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