COMMON MAPS
Map version new-york activity top-down
MCP Main site Contact
Menu
7 ORGS · 32 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
approach

Technology Access Through Refurbishment

methodology: technology-access-through-refurbishment

By collecting, refurbishing, and redistributing donated devices, we increase equitable access to technology, because affordable, reliable hardware enables participation in education, employment, and essential digital services. This strategy centers on overcoming the material barrier of device ownership by extending the lifecycle of used technology through repair and reuse. It is distinct from broader digital inclusion efforts that focus only on training or connectivity, as it specifically addresses hardware access as a foundational precondition for digital equity. While several organizations implement this approach, they differ in distribution models—some use direct partnerships, others leverage volunteers or community-based nomination—yet all share the core belief that access to functional devices is a critical first step toward closing the digital divide.

7
orgs running it
32
activities of those orgs
12
activity groups touched
who runs it

Organizations running this strategy · 7

what it looks like in practice

Activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above — what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Distribute refurbished computers to low-income households TECHNOLOGY FOR FAMILIES IN NEED INC
    direct service
    Collects used laptops and desktop computers from corporate donors, revitalizes them, and provides them at no cost to low-income households. In 2022, diverted 36,315 pounds of electronic waste from landfills through this program.
  • Community Computer Connections Program FRIENDS OF THE RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OF SUFFOLKINC
    direct service
    Refurbishes donated computers by wiping hard drives, installing Windows 10 and freeware applications, and delivers internet-ready devices free of charge to low-income individuals and agencies in Nassau and Suffolk counties. The program has delivered over 7,000 computers to date.
  • Educational Outreach and Presentations FRIENDS OF THE RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OF SUFFOLKINC
    direct service
    Delivers educational presentations and workshops at senior centers, libraries, and community organizations through trained volunteers, covering topics relevant to older adults.
  • Fire Island Lighthouse Educational Tours FRIENDS OF THE RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OF SUFFOLKINC
    direct service
    Provides historical education and guided tours at the Fire Island Lighthouse, sharing local history and maritime heritage with visitors.
  • Intergenerational Tutoring Program FRIENDS OF THE RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OF SUFFOLKINC
    direct service
    Provides one-on-one and small group reading support to elementary students through trained senior volunteers, fostering literacy and intergenerational connection.
  • Medicare Counseling through HIICAP FRIENDS OF THE RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OF SUFFOLKINC
    direct service
    Provides free, confidential counseling to seniors on Medicare and related health insurance topics through trained volunteers, offering both telephone and in-person appointments at libraries and other community locations across Suffolk County.
  • Program Communications and Community Bulletin FRIENDS OF THE RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OF SUFFOLKINC
    direct service
    Distributes a biannual newsletter titled 'Getting Things Done' and maintains a monthly website feature to share updates on program activities, senior-related topics, and events from partner organizations.
  • Senior Health and Wellness Workshops FRIENDS OF THE RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OF SUFFOLKINC
    direct service
    Offers evidence-based health programs for seniors, including six-week workshops on chronic disease management, diabetes, arthritis, and balance, as well as the A Matter of Balance and Tai Chi classes held at local libraries and senior centers.
  • Senior Volunteer Placement and Coordination FRIENDS OF THE RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OF SUFFOLKINC
    direct service
    Recruits, matches, and coordinates volunteers aged 55 and older with community service opportunities across over 75 nonprofit organizations in Suffolk County. The program has engaged over 500 active volunteers who contributed approximately 100,000 hours of service in 2023.
  • Telephone Reassurance Program for Homebound Seniors FRIENDS OF THE RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OF SUFFOLKINC
    direct service
    Operates a daily check-in service providing telephone reassurance to homebound seniors in Suffolk County, promoting safety and social connection.
  • Volunteer Recognition and Engagement Events FRIENDS OF THE RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OF SUFFOLKINC
    direct service
    Hosts an annual luncheon to recognize volunteers who complete 50 or more hours of service and distributes blankets and other tokens of appreciation. Also conducts raffles and other engagement activities for volunteers.
  • Develops educational materials and testing for higher education credit recommendations CONSORTIUM FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES INC
    direct service
    Creates and administers educational materials and assessments that support credit recommendations for higher education, serving institutions in the U.S. and Israel.
  • Distributing refurbished laptops to improve technology access GLOBETOPS INC
    direct service
    Collects used laptops through mail and free local pickup in New York City, refurbishes them, and redistributes them internationally to people in need. Includes diagnostics for Mac computers and provides training to recipients on using the devices for personal and educational development.
  • Engaging volunteers in digital support GLOBETOPS INC
    direct service
    Organizes volunteers to assist with digital support activities related to laptop refurbishment and distribution.
  • Implementing community development projects in India GLOBETOPS INC
    direct service
    Runs education, health, women's rights, child welfare, and vocational training initiatives in India to support long-term community development.
  • Operating a community resource hub in Brooklyn GLOBETOPS INC
    direct service
    Co-founded and operates a community center in Brooklyn that redistributes free food, clothing, and creative opportunities. Since April 2020, the Collective Focus Resource Hub in Bushwick has hosted four community refrigerators accepting daily donations and serving families, immigrants, and houseless individuals.
  • Operating a learning center for youth tutoring and mentorship GLOBETOPS INC
    direct service
    Runs the Kairos Learning Community in Sunset Park, providing tutoring and mentorship to younger teens and children.
  • Providing boxing gear to individuals in need GLOBETOPS INC
    direct service
    Supplies boxing gear to individuals in Queens, NY, supporting access to sports and physical activity.