January 3, 2020 – At Shawsheen Valley Technical High School in Billerica, Massachusetts, instructors include hands-on labs where the students can disassemble desktops and laptops in their training programs. Digitunity helps make that a reality.
“We would not be able to have these real-world labs if we did not receive donations of computers where students can take them apart. New equipment is too expensive for this purpose. The laptops we receive are especially helpful to teach the skills necessary when disassembling and assembling mobile devices,” says Robert Galante, a teacher of computer repair and maintenance at Shawsheen Tech.
“Having these donations allows us to give our students the laptops and not worry too much if they work when the students are done. We are having the students complete these labs to teach the mobile device handling skills as much as any other technology related skills.”
Shawsheen Tech is a partner institution within the Digital Opportunity Network. The Network is made up of over 1,500 pre-screened nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies providing educational opportunities to particularly underserved communities, such as those with disabilities, at-risk students, and the economically disadvantaged. As a Network partner, Shawsheen Tech is able to receive donations of used computer equipment made possible through Digitunity’s technology donation platform.
“Our program would not be successful without the hardware obtained through donations. We are grateful to the Digitunity for the link to our school where donors in our area can easily locate us. They can see that the computers they want to donate matches the used equipment we are looking to find for training our students.”
There are 29 students registered in Galante’s computer repair, security, and network administration class. A full 50% of his students have some kind of disability. “For these students, enrolling in this program has been very rewarding as the skills they are acquiring are those that enable them upon graduation to get and hold jobs,” says Galante.
Organizations seeking technology donations can learn more by visiting Digitunity’s “Receive Equipment” page. Donors wishing to make a tangible impact in the lives of individuals in need can learn more by visiting the Digitunity’s “Donate Equipment” page. Digitunity’s is a nonprofit with a mission to close the digital divide so people in need can participate fully in a digitally connected world.
About Shawsheen Valley Technical High School
At Shawsheen Valley Technical High School, it is our mission to provide a positive learning experience in a safe, educational environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential, emphasizes the value of a strong work ethic, and prepares them for adult life in a competitive world.
