Computer Access Positively Impacts Families, Nonprofit Report Finds

The national survey, conducted by the digital opportunity nonprofit Compudopt, found that family computers are predominantly used for employment, learning and training, communication and entertainment.
Houston (Aug. 12, 2025) – Access to digital devices, such as laptops, desktop computers and tablets, positively impacts youth and their families, according to the Device Satisfaction and Usage Report published by the national digital opportunity nonprofit Compudopt.
As part of its holistic approach to closing America’s digital divide, Compudopt
distributes refurbished devices
at no cost to individuals and families who do not own a reliable computer. To better understand the current digital connectivity landscape, how community members use their digital devices and ways it can improve its services, Compudopt surveyed 10,000+ computer recipients and found:
- Most (92%) respondents did not have a working household computer prior to receiving Compudopt’s services, relying instead on phones or tablets to complete online tasks.
- Almost all (97% ) respondents reported their new device made their lives easier or better.
- Adults (18 and older) mostly use their devices for employment (41%), learning and training (32%), communication (20%), and entertainment (24%).
“Many of us take our computers for granted, while 41% of the U.S. population lacks digital access and are relying on phones or tablets to apply for jobs, receive healthcare, and so much more,” said Compudopt’s Senior Manager of Data Analytics, TJ Hanes. “These findings prove that owning a reliable computer positively impacts the entire family.”
In addition to device usage among adults, the report examined the impact devices have on school-aged children, finding that a majority of students used their devices for schoolwork (91%), learning and training (38%) and entertainment (45%).
Device access is particularly important for students during the summer, as the break has been shown to increase learning loss and social isolation for students without an online connection at home. According to the National Summer Learning Association, summer learning loss grows most dramatically between lower and higher-income students over the summer months.
“The summer months bring unique challenges for families without connectivity,” said Compudopt CEO Megan Steckly. “This report reinforces how important Compudopt’s services are to helping students enrich their learning outside of the academic school year. By providing students and their families with the tools to connect, we are not only supporting their education, but providing a form of connection and entertainment that is so critical to a healthy human experience.”
The Compudopt Device Satisfaction and Usage Report is available online at compudopt.org/device-usage-report. Additional information about Compudopt, including upcoming device distributions, can be found at Compudopt.org.
About Compudopt
Compudopt is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2007 with a mission to provide technology access and education to 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.
Media Contacts
Teddi Cliett
Three Box on behalf of Compudopt
P: (214) 635-3025






