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:  [email protected] .

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