A Summer of Service: Compudopt Impacts More Than 65K, Receives $1M+ in Corporate Funding to Bridge the Digital Divide
From disaster relief to back-to-school support, Compudopt’s Q3 activities met unique community needs and led to increased partnerships
HOUSTON (Oct. 25, 2024) – Compudopt, a national nonprofit providing technology access and education at no cost to under-resourced youth and their communities, celebrated a summer of service in Q3, impacting more than 65K individuals.
The nonprofit advanced digital equity by distributing more than 15K no-cost devices to individuals who do not own a computer and by providing critical connectivity services to hundreds impacted by natural disasters. Compudopt also expanded its partner support and received more than $1M from organizations including Shipt, Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, Old National Bank, Zayo and the Moody Foundation, to continue bridging the digital divide.
Following Houston’s widespread power outages caused by tropical storm Beryl in July, Compudopt provided no-cost charging stations, internet connectivity and device access to hundreds of individuals. Compudopt continues to provide resources to communities in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“Compudopt views digital equity from a multitude of lenses, including disaster relief,” said Compudopt CEO Megan Steckly. “A family’s ability to communicate with their loved ones and receive updates on the status of their home, school and work is dependent on their connectivity abilities. We’re proud to lend a helping hand and play a small part in the recovery efforts across the country.”
North of Houston, Compudopt deepened its impact in North Texas through strategic partnerships and community collaboration. Compudopt partnered with network provider Zayo to distribute 300 free laptops to Dallas County residents, as well as Catholic Charities of Fort Worth to conduct the organization’s first Digital Skills Cohort. The cohort was comprised of 23 refugee students representing various countries and five languages, who learned basic computer skills to enhance their future education. To support its investment in the Dallas Fort Worth region, Compudopt named Chris Quintanilla as Senior Director of Community Impact.
Along with regional efforts, Compudopt partnered with telecommunications powerhouse AT&T on a nationwide connected learning initiative, where the two organizations distributed free laptops with online resources, as well as backpacks to 13K students across Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Washington D.C. ahead of the 2024-2025 school year.
“This summer has reinforced Compudopt’s core belief that digital equity is a right, not a privilege,” said Steckly. “Whether it’s having the resources to excel at school or respond to an emergency, connected communities are safer, healthier and primed for more opportunities.”
To learn more about Compudopt’s mission, visit Compudopt.org.
Click here to access Compudopt’s digital media kit.
About Compudopt
Compudopt is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to provide technology access and education to under-resourced youth and their communities. Founded in 2007, Compudopt has provided device access, training and support to hundreds of thousands of individuals across the country. Compudopt operates in 57+ cities and 24+ states across the US.
Media Contacts
Teddi Cliett
Three Box on behalf of Compudopt
P: (214) 635-3025
E: tcliett@threebox.com
