Calling on Companies to Help Expand Computer Access Across the South

Across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, thousands of people still lack some basic tools needed to participate fully in modern life. Although the internet is essential for education, employment, healthcare, and everyday tasks, more than one in five households in these states lack a home computer.

This creates barriers that no community should face, especially given the thousands of usable computers retiring from corporate IT cycles every year.

Today, Digitunity is calling on companies to be part of a simple, powerful solution: directing retired computers back into communities where they can open doors to learning, work, telehealth, and connection.

A Simple Shift with Big Impact

Every year, businesses refresh their laptops and desktops as part of standard IT asset management and lifecycle processes. Most of these devices still have years of useful life left, and with small adjustments to existing workflows, they can be redirected to trusted nonprofit refurbishers and community organizations.

“Businesses have the power to support local communities by making a slight change in their IT asset management practices. With each refresh cycle, a portion of decommissioned computers could instead be leveraged to help folks impacted by the digital divide. It’s a corporate social responsibility win, an environmental win, and a social impact win.”

This approach reframes computer donation as more than a one-time gesture. It becomes part of a long-term, sustainable practice that strengthens communities and reduces unnecessary e-waste.

How Digitunity Helps Companies Donate Responsibly

Digitunity’s Corporate Concierge Donation Service is designed to make participation simple, secure, and environmentally responsible. The service supports companies at every step:

  • Secure handling and data safety
  • Chain-of-custody transparency
  • Connection to trusted nonprofit refurbishers
  • Placement with community organizations in need
  • Environmentally responsible reuse and recycling

 

This streamlined model ensures that each donated device is handled properly and given a meaningful second life.

Why This Matters Now

Computer ownership is fundamental to digital opportunity for thousands of people.
Without a reliable computer:

  • Students can’t complete assignments or access digital learning
  • Adults face barriers to applying for jobs or building skills necessary for the modern workforce.
  • Families struggle to access telehealth, benefits, or essential services.
  • Communities miss out on the long-term gains of digital participation.

A second-use computer can change what’s possible for someone, right away and for years to come.

How Companies Can Help

Donate Technology

If your business, or one you are connected to, has retired laptops or desktops available, Digitunity makes it easy to direct them where they are needed most. 

Make a Contribution

Financial contributions are also welcome and help expand computer access across the South.

About the Need

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey, approximately 22% of households in Arkansas, 21% in Louisiana, and 23% in Mississippi lack a desktop or laptop computer, among the highest rates in the nation.

This gap represents not just a lack of technology, but a lack of access to opportunity.
Digitunity is committed to changing that by connecting the power of corporate IT refresh cycles with the communities that benefit most from them.

About Digitunity

Digitunity is a national nonprofit working to make computer ownership possible for everyone. Through partnerships with corporations, community organizations, and government agencies, Digitunity connects donated technology with people and programs that need it most.

Other Recent Posts

Group of students and staff posing indoors in front of a UAM College of Technology–McGehee banner and table display, several holding bright green tote bags, with a green school mascot standing behind them.

UAM-CTM Launches Digital Literacy Program to Expand Computer Ownership in Southeast Arkansas

On January 21, the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology–McGehee (UAM-CTM) and the UAM Adult Education Center officially launched the UAM Digital Literacy Program, a new initiative designed to expand computer access and strengthen digital skills for adult learners across southeast Arkansas. The program is part of the 3 Southern States Connected Communities Program, a regional effort led by Digitunity and AT&T to address persistent technology barriers in underserved and rural communities. Through

Person sitting at a laptop during a telehealth appointment with a masked healthcare worker on screen, while holding and filling out a health insurance form

32.9 Million People Can’t Access Critical US Government Services Due to Lack of a Computer

For the 1 in 10 people in the United States who don’t own a computer, accessing government services has become increasingly difficult. As services move increasingly online, residents without a computer and reliable internet service are locked out of essential systems. Tasks that were once handled in person now assume access to digital tools that many individuals simply do not have. Federal Policy Accelerates the Digital Shift Federal policy is accelerating this shift. The 21st

The DigITunity logo features the word "DIGITUNITY" with stylized arcs connecting the letters "I" in black and red and a registered trademark symbol.

Digitunity Announces New Officers and Welcomes New Board Members

Effective January 2026, Digitunity is delighted to introduce new Officers to its Board of Directors. These leadership transitions reflect the Board’s unwavering dedication to building and strengthening the infrastructure needed to ensure computer ownership is possible for all. New Board Officers President Allison Strobel, Executive Director, Hoboken Public Education Vice President Steven Nickel, Google Treasurer Matt Zimmer, Close the Loop Thank You to Outgoing President Jeremy Hegle Digitunity extends deep gratitude to Jeremy Hegle of

Translate »

The need for computers has never been greater.​ Sign up for our newsletter.