Computers today have become a basic necessity for employees and students alike. But these devices come at a cost that every family might not be able to spare the expense for. If you have been searching for ways on how to get a free computer, there are several government schemes and NGOs that can help you with the process.
According to a report, there are over 4.4 million households in the US with children who do not have consistent access to computers and internet connections to participate in online learning. The article will take you through different organizations that can help you secure a free or low-cost computer.
PCs for People
To be eligible for the program, a recipient must be below the 200% poverty level and part of the government’s income-based assistance program. With Microsoft being the authorized refurbisher for PCs for People, good quality desktops and laptops with licensed copies of Windows 10 can be expected. In addition, desktops come equipped with a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and power cords.
Apart from free computers, PCs for People also offers high-speed internet connection for as low as $15 a month.
Computers with Causes
The organization accepts donations, refurbishes computers, and provides them free of cost to people in need. Computers with Causes main emphasis is on helping students, teachers, military veterans, shelters, and the elderly.
You can submit an online application to receive a free computer post which your credentials will be verified. If your application is approved and the organization has a stocked inventory, a volunteer will contact you within 60 days for further process.
The On It Foundation
As a student, if you are searching for the answer to how to get a free computer, you can write to the On It foundation requesting the same. They provide free computers, internet, and also training facilities to students in K-12 from low-income families.
The foundation will require proof on the school letterhead mentioning the student qualifies for reduced or free lunch. If you do not qualify for the free program, you can still purchase a low-cost computer through their Jump On It program.
Computers for Learning
CFL is a government program that encourages agencies to transfer computers and related equipment to schools and non-profit organizations, reported as excess. You need to be a legal citizen of the United States to be eligible for the program.
Public, private schools, daycare centers, and educational non-profit organizations serving students from grades K-12 can apply for computers. You can contact them through email to learn about the CFL program.
National Cristina Foundation
The private foundation strives to achieve its goal of technology reuse throughout the country. They work with their partner non-profit organization to provide computers to the needy. Public and private schools, government agencies, non-profits organizations can apply online to receive computers.
For individual applicants, the foundation will connect them to qualified technology donors who serve individuals.
Goodwill
This non-profit organization works towards uplifting the lives of local communities by providing career-related skills. Goodwill accepts donations in the form of finance and in other forms. Goodwill, in turn, utilizes these donations to give computers to local charities and other non-profit organizations.
You can use the locator available online to find the nearest Goodwill center to your home or school. Unfortunately, they might not always have computers in stock, though you can visit them to know more.
Access to a computer and the internet is the need of the hour, especially for students participating in online learning. The simplest answer to the question, how to get a free computer would be to visit local charities, Goodwill, or Salvation Army centers. Go through the eligibility criteria for the programs mentioned above. In case of any doubts, do not hesitate to contact the organization for more information.
