Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'm looking back over the year and feeling very thankful for all the people (and programs) that have made it a great year for the Computer Equipment For Kids Program!!!   We reached number 900 a few days ago!  Built out/repaired over 200 devices since last Thanksgiving.  This program would be nothing without your support,  thank you!!!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Sylvester Renner the Co-Founder of Develop Africa.   The Computer Equipment for Kids Program has been helping Develop Africa for many years now but this was the first time we have been able to meet in person. The Develop Africa program  is an awesome program and continues to improve the lives of people in Sierra Leone.  The Computer Equipment for Kids Program provided 28 laptops and laptop bags to the program!    Thank you Sylvester!!  You are an inspiration to us all.

The Computer Equipment For Kids Program is happy to provide laptops to "Empowering Minds of Maryland's Youth".    The Empowering Minds of Maryland's Youth program is a non-profit organization that establish outreach programs for youth.

Mission: To empower children with life skills through mentoring, learning experiences, and artistic outlets. We will equip our youth for future successes by developing critical thinking, communication, and reasoning that will encourage them to develop a sense of value and understanding of personal and social responsibilities.

Goals: Empowering Minds of Maryland's Youth has been developed to help build and sustain a positive self image; while fostering critical thinking and reflection.  Our goal is to transform youth into young adults who have confidence, determination, self awareness, and self love.

​Empowering Minds of Maryland's Youth will be relentlessly committed to the success and fulfillment of our youths dreams and goals. 

Check out their website:  https://www.empoweringyouthusa.net/

I was in today creating a blog post and thought i would give ChatGPT a try to create my blog post for me....  If you haven't checked out ChatGPT yet..  Now is the time.  This will be a game changer in many areas:  https://chatgptonline.net/ 

This is what I entered: 
Write a blog on computer donations and their impact on people without technology


This is what ChatGPT gave me: 

In today's digital age, access to technology is essential for individuals to participate in society, get an education, and find employment. However, for many people around the world, owning a computer remains an unattainable dream. This is where computer donations come in, providing a lifeline to those without access to technology.

Computer donations can come from various sources, such as businesses, government programs, and individual donors. They offer a low-cost way for people without technology to access the tools they need to succeed in the modern world. By receiving a computer, individuals can gain access to the internet, educational resources, and job opportunities.

One of the most significant impacts of computer donations is improved education. With a computer, students can access online educational resources, such as online courses and virtual classrooms. They can also complete assignments and communicate with their teachers and classmates. Furthermore, students in underserved communities who receive computer donations have been shown to perform better academically, close the achievement gap, and increase their chances of success.

Computer donations also have a profound impact on job seekers, particularly those from low-income communities. With a computer, individuals can search for job opportunities, create and send out resumes, and participate in virtual job fairs. This gives them a level playing field with their peers, who may have access to technology, and increases their chances of finding a job.

Moreover, computer donations can also help bridge the digital divide, providing access to technology to those who otherwise would not have it. This helps close the gap between those who have access to technology and those who don't, making it possible for everyone to participate in the digital world.

In conclusion, computer donations play a crucial role in empowering individuals without technology to access the tools they need to succeed in the modern world. They provide improved education, job opportunities, and help bridge the digital divide. By providing access to technology, computer donations have a positive impact on the lives of people in need and help to create a more equitable society. If you have an old computer lying around, consider donating it to a local organization or school to make a difference in someone's life.

As we close out 2022 I wanted to take some time to look back at the year.  This was by far the BEST year the Computer Equipment For Kids Program has had since we started this journey over 12 years ago.

Here is a breakdown of some of the numbers from 2022: 

• 233 Devices Donated!!
• 145  Devices Distributed to Students!!
• Devices were distributed to over 13 different Groups, Agencies, Schools, and Businesses many of these companies are listed on the Alliance of Awesomeness page!!
• Devices were distributed to over 5 Countries  (United States, Sierra Leone, Haiti,  Sudan, Nigeria)  

We are looking forward to 2023 and beating the numbers from 2022 :) 

If you would like to help the Computer Equipment for Kids Program or know of any people/program that would benefit from our services please email us:  mbartlett@computerequipmentforkids.org .

Happy New Year!!!!
mark 

Built out #600 tonight.   I started this project 10 years ago with one goal in mind, to give laptops/computers out to students to help them use technology to further their learning experience.  Tonight I am building out our 600th device!  I want to thank everyone who has helped the program and look forward to getting to 1000 :)  Thank you to all friends, family, corporate sponsors, and anyone else that has helped the program over the years!! 

As always, keep learning!
Bartlett 

Over the years i have received many laptop/device donations.  This blog is a glimpse into what goes into turning around a donation and getting it into the hands of a student in need. 

Donations come from everywhere.  I've used people and this site to get the word out on the Computer Equipment for Kids program.  Everything from flyers posted in local schools, shops, and restaurants (you can print a flier here) to friend of a friend relationships that have blossomed into great partnerships (like the Our Neighbors Child program we help every Christmas Time).   If it works (or needs minor repairs) I'll take it!  The only rule i have is it must be WIFI enabled.  If you have anything you would like to donate please shoot me a message:  mbartlett@computerequipmentforkids.org

Once i receive the donations they make it into the IN BOX where i evaluate the device and get it into the inventory list(a spreadsheet i keep in GDRIVE).  I just started actually documenting the inventory a few months ago and now wish I did this years ago. Once inventoried I can now work on the device.

IN PROGRESS - I boot them up, nuke the hard drive, and install an Operating System.  My go to in the past was Ubuntu (a Linux distribution) which gave students the opportunity to do anything they needed for school AND coding.  I have moved away from it recently in favor of Cloud Ready ( Cloud Ready was created by Neverware). I find that Cloud Ready provides me with an easy install and gives students all google apps needed to do school work/studying. Cloud Ready is very similar to a Chrome Book, you login with your GOOGLE account and you have access to anything related to your account (gmail, gdrive, classroom, etc).  if you have old hardware around your house download the ISO and give it a try.  If you have questions or need help shoot me an email.   If during install or checking the hardware I determine there is something wrong with the device I troubleshoot and put needed parts on the Amazon CEFK wish list available here.  If install is successful and no hardware issues are found the device makes it's way into the DONE pile :) and we wait for requests to come in from the community/students for devices.  If you know of anyone in need please send them my way: mbartlett@computerequipmentforkids.org   

If the device is awaiting a new piece of hardware it goes into the WAITING ON PART pile.    Once someone buys something off the Wish List it is delivered directly to me and I can go about installing the part in the device.  I try and document the fixes either with photos, blogs, and soon live feeds.  So if you are interested in how to fix computers stay tuned.  I have been toying with the idea of taking a bunch of computers in need of repair to the local library or Starbucks and having a 'Fix it' night where anyone who wants to help can show up and help or learn. (If you are interested let me know)

That's pretty much it.  If you have any laptops/tablets you would like to donate to the program please let me know.  If YOU know of anyone in need of a laptop PLEASE send them my way:   mbartlett@computerequipmentforkids.org 

Thank you all for the support and KEEP LEARNING. ​