Skylar Tom refurbishing laptops to benefit ESL students at Day Worker Center of Mountain View
Student-Led Computer Refurbishing Program
EqOpTech (www.eqoptech.org), a Los Altos 501(c)(3) nonprofit promotes equal access to technology to bridge the digital divide by giving away computers in underserved communities. Our main goals include leveling the playing field in education, providing youth with meaningful real life skills in leadership and technology, all while reviving old laptops to protect the environment.
Ongoing Covid Crisis and Technology Need
We are working hard to support our community during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis to make technology resources available and accessible to all. To bridge the technology gap for students who do not have laptops at home, EqOpTech engages and empowers students who are passionate about technology to refurbish surplus laptops and make an impact.
This tech initiative is spearheaded by Skylar Tom, a Los Altos High student who joined EqOpTech back in March 2021. “As I volunteer with the Boy Scouts to support local community conservation projects, I also want to help in technology projects to repurpose e-waste to benefit the underserved students. I plan to major in STEM and believe that computer and software experiences at EqOpTech will improve my technical skills while helping the community in need.”
EqOpTech deploys refurbished laptops to ESL students at Day Worker Center of Mountain View
EqOpTech donated 5 refurbished laptops to English as a Second Language (ESL) students attending ESL classes at Day Worker Center, most of whom have never owned a laptop before.
According to the Day Worker website, ESL classes offered at Day Worker Center focus on improving the English speaking capacity of day workers so they can be successful at work and in their communities. For more information about the ESL program, visit here
Over the summer break, EqOpTech interns are working hard to fulfill more laptop requests in the pipeline. If you would like to support our efforts, please join us and make a difference. No prior computer skills are required. All students earn community service hours and learn technical skills.
The Equal Opportunity Technology program is made possible thanks to the Los Altos Mountain View Community Foundation community grant award. Visit here for more