Where Do Your Company’s Used Laptops Go?

screen_shot_2015-05-20_at_8-25-54_amOne of the ways refurbished corporate laptops get reused is providing computers and access to the internet to underserved families and youths. There are a number of programs and organizations across North America that facilitate this. In 2011, Lifespan teamed up with non-profit iFoster to launch a nationwide test program delivering low-cost laptops to children in foster homes.

Fast-forward to today, and together with Lifespan, iFoster has supplied a total of 5,000 laptop computers to at-risk youths, giving them access to resources that support their educational pursuits.

Matthew Dwyer, Lifespan Account Executive, has been part of Lifespan’s end of the effort since the beginning. “The best part about working with the iFoster program is getting to help foster youths get a better education by having access to computers, so they have the same opportunities as other kids,” says Dwyer.

iFoster delivers laptops to children in foster families, to schools and non-profits, and also to public and privately funded programs. 1 Laptop per Foster Youth is one such program. iFoster fills orders for foster children in the Los Angeles area on a continual monthly basis. It is the largest effort of the iFoster program, funded by both public and entrepreneurial sources.

The laptops provided via iFoster’s programs, originally used by Lifespan’s enterprise customers, have had all corporate data and system information erased, and been fully tested and refurbished. They are loaded with new Windows 7 Professional and MS Office Home licenses, via the Microsoft Registered Refubisher program. The computers all come with a 90-day Lifespan support service. Kevin Thompson, Lifespan’s Lead Technician, has been providing technical support to the computer users. “It has been a pleasure offering assistance and technical support for these families,” says Thomas. “Getting to participate in this program is really rewarding for me.”

The youth in Foster care have among the lowest access to computers and the Internet in the country, resulting in them not gaining the technical skills they need to succeed in school and prepare for and thrive in the workforce.  iFoster is out to change those statistics, and Lifespan is proud to partner with them in bridging the gap of this digital divide.

Lifespan congratulates iFoster on this milestone, and all that they have accomplished through their programs.  We look forward to continuing this partnership in the effort to get laptops to more foster children.

Read more about the milestone here and watch our video about our partnership with iFoster.

Be sure to read our whitepaper IT Asset Manager’s Guide to Disposition to assess and plan for your ITAD process.

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