Last year more than 75,000 students across Oregon were without devices to support distance learning (not to mention additional essential needs like telehealth). Although some students will return to in-person classes in April, the hybrid educational model still leaves students without computers unable to finish their assignments outside of school hours. In addition, as younger students begin to return to school at this time, many middle school and high school students are still in full time online schooling until it is fully safe to return to class.

As we look at the long term impacts of COVID-19 on our community, giving families access to technology is a lifeline to help students continue their education and ensure that every child has the tools they need to thrive through this crisis.

In partnership with Free Geek, the business community is uniting to host a series of contactless drive-through technology collection sites across the Portland Metro and Vancouver region over a one month period beginning on April 3rd. 

Quick Facts:

• Current estimates show that 30% of students in the United States are not currently accessing online learning due to a lack of a device or internet.
• Since the pandemic, demand for used laptops has spiked by nearly 4,000%, from about 300 requests per month to 3,000 per week.
• Last year more than 75,000 students across Oregon were without devices to support distance learning (not to mention additional essential needs like telehealth).

Dollar impact numbers (corporate):

• $500 refurbishes 10 laptops for people in need of digital access.
• $1,000 provides culturally specific digital literacy and a refurbished laptop to 7 households.
• $5,000 provides a refurbished computer, tech support and digital literacy training for 20 k-12 students.