Digital Access for All: Compudopt Celebrates
National Digital Inclusion Week 2025
Each year, Compudopt joins our partners in celebrating National Digital Inclusion Week (October 6–10, 2025), a national observance dedicated to raising awareness about digital opportunities and the vital importance of access to our digital world.
Digital access is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Yet, it’s estimated that up to 14 million U.S. households still lack reliable digital access. While many rely on phones and tablets for connectivity, these devices simply aren’t sufficient in a world where robust digital engagement is essential for working, learning, and connecting. When community members can’t apply for jobs, students can’t access homework, or households can’t access online healthcare or banking, entire communities are left behind.
Compudopt’s Impact
We believe in holistic solutions. Across the country, we address the four key barriers to digital opportunity: computer access, affordable high-speed internet, digital literacy, and workforce-relevant skills. To date, we’ve:
- Distributed over 160,000 computers for free
- Connected more than 51,100 households to reliable, affordable internet
- Served 180,000+ students through technology training and digital programming
- Impacted one million individuals in 68 cities across 27 states
While 97% of our community members surveyed said owning a computer made their lives easier or better, the real impact is in the stories of those we serve: Carlos, a first-generation college student in Mesa, is pursuing a degree in computer science. Nahum, a middle-schooler in Chicago, learned to code. Jordy, an Atlanta freshman, no longer worries about losing access to a computer at the end of the semester. April, a Dallas mother of two, is earning her online degree to create new opportunities for her family.
Get Involved: National Digital Inclusion Week
Join us for #DIW2025 and be part of the impact! Click hereto see the full event list and sign up for an opportunity near you.
Attend or Volunteer at Local Events
- Access Amplified (Chicago, Oct 7): Leaders and advocates explore strategies to close the digital divide in Cook County, featuring Chief Executive Officer Megan Steckly and Chief Operations Officer Allison Katarski.
- State Fair of Texas Community Engagement Day (Dallas, Oct 8): Exploring legislative developments and their impact on communities, with Chief Government Affairs Officer Marie Acros and Program Director Kylie Beene.
- InspiredEDU Panel (Atlanta, Oct 9): Community and industry leaders discuss economic mobility and digital access. Compudopt’s Vice President of Site Operations, Leisa Minor, will be a panelist.
- Computer Distribution & Digital Skills Workshops: Multiple events in Atlanta, Chicago, Mesa, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Help distribute devices, teach digital skills, or support local families.
Other Ways to Make a Difference
- Donate Used Technology: Give your gently used computers and devices a second life by donating to Compudopt.
- Sponsor Training or Workforce Development: Corporations can invest in the next generation by sponsoring programs or donating devices.
- Advocate for Digital Skills Training: Encourage your local school board to make digital literacy a core part of the curriculum.
- Spread the Word: Follow
@Compudopt on
Instagram,
Facebook, and
LinkedIn and share #DIW2025 stories to raise awareness.
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Houston (May 8, 2025) - AT&T, Recycle Global Exchange (RGX), and Compudopt have joined forces to expand an in-store e-waste collection program that offers the public a simple and impactful way to safely recycle their old personal technology while helping to bridge the digital divide. Building on a successful pilot in 2024, the expanded program will launch across more than 100 AT&T retail locations in Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Beginning May 1, consumers can drop off used phones, tablets, and laptops at participating stores with bins for responsible device refurbishment, recycling, or reuse. For every 10 pounds of e-waste collected, AT&T and their nonprofit collaborator, Compudopt, will donate 1 laptop to individuals in need – up to 2,000 laptops. Through this initiative, we’re keeping e-waste out of landfills and empowering individuals and families to thrive in a digital world. "At AT&T, we’re excited to expand this program to additional stores, making it more convenient for the public to recycle electronics in their own communities,” said Roman Smith, Director of Global Environmental Sustainability. “Together, we’re creating a more sustainable future while strengthening connections for people across the country." RGX, a Colorado-based cleantech company, is powering the program’s logistical infrastructure through its technology platform. The RGX system connects enterprise clients like AT&T to a national network of service providers while streamlining workflows, automating job tracking, and reducing management time and expense. By simplifying what can often be a complex process, RGX enables companies to achieve sustainability goals, reduce their carbon footprint, and maximize the value of their retired IT assets. “This is exactly the kind of initiative our platform is designed for,” said Sean Miles, CEO of RGX. “By integrating retail-based collection into a managed system of local recyclers, we’re helping companies like AT&T achieve measurable sustainability results -- without adding administrative complexity. It’s a smarter, more scalable way to handle IT asset disposition.” Collected devices are handled by Compudopt, a national nonprofit dedicated to closing the digital divide. Devices will be assessed, and laptops that qualify will be refurbished and distributed to students, individuals, and families who lack access to technology. Non-qualifying devices will be safely recycled to avoid landfills. “This program creates a direct line from discarded technology to life-changing access,” said Megan Steckly, CEO of Compudopt. “By turning stores into collection points, we’re not only keeping harmful materials out of landfills -- we’re delivering opportunity to the people who need it most.” Programs like this help reduce the environmental impact of improperly discarded electronics while recovering valuable materials and delivering real community benefit. To learn more about donating your old devices and to find participating AT&T stores near you, visit att.com/ewaste. About AT&T We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends, and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, c onnect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. ( NYSE:T ) , please visit us at about.att.com . Investors can learn more at investors.att.com. About Recycle Global Exchange (RGX) RGX is a Colorado-based company elevating the backend of the electronics circular economy. Connecting corporate customers with localized e-waste and IT asset disposition (ITAD) vendors, the RGX platform manages the full process -- from competitive bidding to certification of destruction. As a cleantech company, RGX helps reduce environmental impact, increase ROI, and streamline sustainability programs for enterprise clients. Learn more at recyclegx.com . About Compudopt Compudopt is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2007 with a mission to provide technology access and education to under-resourced youth. To date, it has distributed over 147,700 devices to students in need, delivered over 344,000 hours of technology education, connected over 30,000 households to the internet, and diverted over 711 tons of hardware from landfills. Learn more at compudopt.org .
This Earth Month, we’re celebrating a partnership that does more than reduce waste - it changes lives. Compudopt has teamed up with Micro Center, a leading electronics retailer, to collect working laptops and desktops at all 28 of their locations nationwide. Instead of collecting dust or ending up in a landfill, your old device can power a future. Millions of computers are discarded every year, contributing to a growing e-waste crisis. Through this partnership, we’re putting that tech to better use by refurbishing donated devices and placing them directly into the hands of students and families who need them most. Just ask one of our 5th-grade recipients: He was beaming with excitement as he picked up his very first laptop. He told us, “I’m going to download Blender and another design program as soon as I get home!” He loves designing games at school and couldn’t wait to start building his own 3D animated game. He doesn’t have a name for it yet - but he said, “I just know it’s going to be the coolest game ever!!” Moments like this are why we do what we do. Your support - your donated device - can open a world of possibility. Why It Matters By donating your working device, you’re making a real difference: Bridging the digital divide : Empower students with the tools they need to learn, explore, and create. Reducing e-waste : Extend the life of your tech and keep electronics out of landfills. Creating opportunity : Every device means one more child who can connect, learn, and dream big. How You Can Help Drop off your used, working laptop or desktop at any Micro Center location this Earth Month. It will be securely wiped, refurbished, and given a new life with a student or family in need. Your gift - whether a device or a donation - powers: Technology access for students like our young game designer An honest, scalable solution to the growing e-waste problem Hope and opportunity in communities that need it most Thank You, Micro Center We’re proud to partner with Micro Center in this national effort to promote sustainability and expand opportunity through technology. Their commitment to supporting education and reducing e-waste is helping us change the future, one device at a time. A Lasting Impact This Earth Month, don’t let your old tech go to waste. Put it to work for the planet and a child’s future. Donate Your Old Device Together, we can create opportunities, reduce waste, and inspire the next generation of creators. One laptop. One child. One future transformed .
This Earth Month, Compudopt is proud to partner with Mission Telecom to spotlight a powerful force for environmental and social change: electronic recycling with purpose. We often think of recycling in terms of paper, plastic, or glass, but what about that unused laptop in your drawer or the 2015 desktop sitting idle in storage? When you donate these devices, you’re not just reducing waste—you’re extending the opportunity to students and families nationwide. The Hidden Cost of E-Waste E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. Electronics may seem harmless when tucked away in a closet, but once discarded improperly, they can release toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium into the environment. These substances contaminate soil and water, posing serious threats to ecosystems and public health. Recycling electronics responsibly isn’t optional—it’s essential. Through this partnership, we’re taking meaningful action. From Waste to Worth: Bridging the Digital Divide In 2024 alone, Compudopt diverted 246,820 pounds—or 123.41 U.S. tons—of technology from landfills. But the impact goes beyond environmental preservation. As of 2021, over 5.5 million U.S. households lacked access to a working computer. For these families, it’s not just a missing convenience—it’s a missing lifeline to education, jobs, and healthcare. Together with Mission Telecom, we’re transforming recycled technology into opportunity. We have started our process of providing low-cost internet access to 10,000 devices to reach our goal of 30,000 households nationwide—and we need your help to make it happen. Every recycled device could become: A student’s virtual classroom A job seeker’s career launchpad A family’s connection to telehealth and services Recycle. Donate. Empower. When you recycle your devices with Compudopt and Mission Telecom, you’re choosing to make a difference for the planet and for people. This Earth Month, we invite you to take action: Recycle your unused tech Donate devices or contribute funds to refurbishing efforts Empower families with access to opportunity Click the link below and donate today! compudopt.org/earth-month A Thank You to Mission Telecom—and to You We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mission Telecom, whose continued partnership helps turn every recycled device into a life-changing tool. Together, we’re not just reducing e-waste but building a more empowered, connected future. By donating your old technology, you’re doing more than helping the planet—you’re helping someone take their very first step toward a brighter future because the second life of your device could be a first chance for someone else.
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In today’s digital world, having access to a computer is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity! From completing school assignments to applying for jobs, technology plays a vital role in everyday life. Unfortunately, not every household has access to a working computer. That’s where Compudopt comes in, bringing hope and opportunity to families who need it most. With a free c omputer giveaway so you can receive your computer at no cost! Imagine your child being able to finish homework without struggling to find a device. Picture them confidently participating in online classes, exploring new knowledge, and reaching their full potential. Compudopt is excited to announce its Digital Life Fair Computer Giveaway for families in Northwest Tennessee ! If you or someone you know is without a working computer at home and has a child in K - 12 education, this is an opportunity to receive a free computer and empower your or another child's future! Who Qualifies? To be eligible for a free computer, applicants must meet the following criteria: You do not currently own a working computer at home. You have a child in K-12 education who deserves the chance to thrive. You live in one of the following counties: Gibson Obion Lake Henry Dyer Weakley Carroll Crockett How to Register The process is simple and easy! Interested families should register online for a chance to be selected. Register Here: https://www.compudopt.org/tennessee Once registered, names will be randomly selected based on available inventory before distribution dates. If you are selected, you will receive a notification via email and/or text message with instructions to complete the RSVP process and pick up your computer at a designated distribution site. Why This Matters Having a computer at home can open doors to countless opportunities, including: Improved educational outcomes for students who now have the tools to succeed. Access to online learning resources that fuel curiosity and lifelong learning. Better job and career opportunities for parents looking to build a stronger future for their families. Enhanced digital literacy for the whole family, creating possibilities for growth and financial stability. For many families, this is more than just a giveaway—it’s a life-changing opportunity. It’s the chance for a child to dream bigger, for a parent to find better work, and for a family to connect with a world of information and possibilities. Don’t Miss Out— Register Toda y ! If you or someone you know meets the eligibility requirements, don’t wait! Register today for a chance to be selected. Every computer given away is another step towards closing the digital divide and ensuring a brighter tomorrow for families in need. For more details and to sign up, visit: Compudopt Tennessee Giveaway .
Personal donors and businesses can now donate used devices at all Micro Center locations to support underserved communities HOUSTON ( Dec. 18, 2024 ) – Compudopt , a national nonprofit dedicated to providing free technology access and education to under-resourced youth and their communities, has joined forces with leading electronics retailer Micro Center to make device recycling easier and promote digital equity. All 28 Micro Center locations across the country will now accept donations of used devices, including laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Compudopt will securely wipe, refurbish, and equip these devices with essential digital resources before distributing them at no cost to families and individuals in need across 57+ cities. “ Compudopt and Micro Center are addressing several critical challenges together,” said Megan Steckly , CEO of Compudopt . “We’re making it easy for consumers and businesses to donate unwanted devices, diverting e-waste from landfills, and creating opportunities for the 21% of American households who lack access to in-home computers. This access unlocks education, employment, economic mobility, and so much more.” Many businesses retire their devices after just three years , contributing to 20 million pounds of e-waste g enerated annually. This partnership offers a sustainable and impactful way to manage device recycling while supporting digital inclusion. “Micro Center is proud to support Compudopt’s mission of connectivity and digital equity through this meaningful partnership,” said Brad Kramer, CFO, and Co-COO of Micro Center. “We understand how vital technology is as a gateway to opportunity, and we are honored to help make the digital world more accessible.” Join Us in Making a Difference Compudopt and Micro Center are committed to bridging the digital divide and protecting the environment. Individuals and corporate teams can learn more about how to donate their used devices at the links below: Donate Personal Devices Donate Corporate Devices About Compudopt Compudopt is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing technology access and education to under-resourced youth and their communities. Since its founding in 2007 , Compudopt has empowered hundreds of thousands of individuals across 57+ cities and 24+ states . Click here for Compudopt’s media kit . About Micro Center Founded in 1979 , Micro Center operates 28 stores nationwide , offering an extensive range of computers, electronics, and related products. Known for outstanding customer service and expertise, Micro Center is committed to innovation, community support, and inclusivity. Visit microcenter.com for more. Media Contacts Teddi Cliett Three Box on behalf of Compudopt P: (214) 635-3025 E: tcliett@threebox.com Meg Adrion Micro Center Director of Digital Marketing E: madrion@microcenter.com
