Heights-based Compudopt bridges digital divide, secures $7.3M grant

National nonprofit organization Compudopt, headquartered in the Heights, has marked a significant milestone, receiving more than $7.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to bolster its goal of providing technology access and education to under-resourced youth and communities nationwide. The funding and initiatives undertaken have directly impacted over 33,000 individuals across the United States.

Compudopt's mission is to engage in the recycling of donated computers, refurbishing them and installing advanced technology software. The organization then allocates these computers to families in need through its Computer Giveaway program. Compudopt's commitment extends beyond the provision of computers, as the organization also actively assists families in identifying affordable or no-cost internet solutions. In addition, the organization takes an extra step by offering free tech education to both youth and adults. This initiative is designed to spark curiosity and interest in learning, with the ultimate goal of paving the way for brighter futures.

Lisa Wortham, a Digital Skills recipient, expressed gratitude for the knowledge and skills she acquired in the digital skills class. Compudopt is also gifting her a computer.

"I am excited about receiving my new computer. Having access to a computer will open up opportunities for me to pursue my GED with confidence, and I am grateful for this chance to make my children proud of me," she said.

The numbers speak volumes. To date, 7,595 computers have been distributed, 1,480 Houston households connected, and a direct impact on 8,261 community members has been achieved, with an additional indirect impact on 26,848 community members just in Houston. Compudopt's services are primarily driven by its 754 volunteers, who together have spent a total of 2,514 volunteer hours serving Houston residents.

“I really enjoy working with Compudopt, and the programs I get to teach, said Compudopt Houston Trainer, Ian Krayer. "The instances when the students are truly engaged with the learning process were evident in the small moments. I recall a group of girls who enthusiastically responded to my questions by simply reading the information from the board. Their laughter and enjoyment were palpable throughout the entire interaction.”

Compudopt's success is fueled by strategic partnerships with notable organizations such as AT&T Inc., DuPage Foundation, HP Inc., The Meadows Foundation, North Shore Gas Company, Peoples Gas, PwC, The Santander Consumer USA Inc. Foundation, and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. These collaborations resulted in tangible outcomes for Compudopt's education programs and operations.

"We're thrilled to share that 2023 was one of our organization's most successful years to date, impacting over 110,000 individuals," said Megan Steckly, CEO of Compudopt. "The partnerships and initiatives we launched last quarter are integral to our growth in 2024 as we deepen our impact in our existing communities and expand our reach across the country."

National nonprofit organization Compudopt, headquartered in the Heights, has marked a significant milestone, receiving more than $7.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to bolster its goal of providing technology access and education to under-resourced youth and communities nationwide. The funding and initiatives undertaken have directly impacted over 33,000 individuals across the United States.

Compudopt's mission is to engage in the recycling of donated computers, refurbishing them and installing advanced technology software. The organization then allocates these computers to families in need through its Computer Giveaway program. Compudopt's commitment extends beyond the provision of computers, as the organization also actively assists families in identifying affordable or no-cost internet solutions. In addition, the organization takes an extra step by offering free tech education to both youth and adults. This initiative is designed to spark curiosity and interest in learning, with the ultimate goal of paving the way for brighter futures.

Lisa Wortham, a Digital Skills recipient, expressed gratitude for the knowledge and skills she acquired in the digital skills class. Compudopt is also gifting her a computer.

"I am excited about receiving my new computer. Having access to a computer will open up opportunities for me to pursue my GED with confidence, and I am grateful for this chance to make my children proud of me," she said.

The numbers speak volumes. To date, 7,595 computers have been distributed, 1,480 Houston households connected, and a direct impact on 8,261 community members has been achieved, with an additional indirect impact on 26,848 community members just in Houston. Compudopt's services are primarily driven by its 754 volunteers, who together have spent a total of 2,514 volunteer hours serving Houston residents.

“I really enjoy working with Compudopt, and the programs I get to teach, said Compudopt Houston Trainer, Ian Krayer. "The instances when the students are truly engaged with the learning process were evident in the small moments. I recall a group of girls who enthusiastically responded to my questions by simply reading the information from the board. Their laughter and enjoyment were palpable throughout the entire interaction.”

Compudopt's success is fueled by strategic partnerships with notable organizations such as AT&T Inc., DuPage Foundation, HP Inc., The Meadows Foundation, North Shore Gas Company, Peoples Gas, PwC, The Santander Consumer USA Inc. Foundation, and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. These collaborations resulted in tangible outcomes for Compudopt's education programs and operations.

"We're thrilled to share that 2023 was one of our organization's most successful years to date, impacting over 110,000 individuals," said Megan Steckly, CEO of Compudopt. "The partnerships and initiatives we launched last quarter are integral to our growth in 2024 as we deepen our impact in our existing communities and expand our reach across the country."

"Our instructor was extremely knowledgeable, clear in her instructions, and patient with everyone’s questions. She created an environment that was both immersive and engaging, and the time spent there flew by as we all worked on our projects," she said. "I had a fantastic experience at the computer coding club and can’t wait to further my knowledge on computers and programming.”