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. ​

Huge THANK YOU to the folks at HITT for their donations to the Computer Equipment For Kids Program!  The Windows laptops and surface donations will go a long way in helping students in need.  Special shout out the team for erasing and reimaging all the machines!!

The Computer Equipment For Kids Program is happy to provide laptops to "The Food Project".    The Food Project, addresses two key challenges in our community: food insecurity and youth unemployment. The Food Project hires local youth to produce and distribute 500+ meals each week and run a bi-weekly popup market with Baltimore City distributing over 600 food boxes to the food insecure; and it is a member of the Baltimore Children’s Cabinet Youth Food Insecurity workgroup, helping lead the charge to reduce food insecurity among Baltimore’s youth. The Food Project continues to bring cooking, farming, restaurant skills, job opportunities, sustainable food sources, mentorship & hope to the youth of South West Baltimore. Check out their website:  uempowerofmd.org/the-food-project

The Computer Equipment For Kids Program is providing laptops to the Standing Strong Mentoring Program in Baltimore, MD.   The Standing Strong Mentoring Program is making a difference in the community by mentoring all ages, feeding, clothing, and seek housing for our people.  These computers will go to help the program with administration and members of the community which need a device. 

The Computer Equipment For Kids Program is excited to be providing laptops to the Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services!!!     CEFKorg will be providing up to 10 laptops for a computer lab to reinforce language and help with their academic programs. 

The Computer Equipment for Kids program is happy to donate laptops to the AAAlways an Open Door Program.    The program provides mentoring and support services to pregnant teens and teen moms. 

Over the next few weeks I'll be posting about different programs the Computer Equipment For Kids Program helps.  From local schools in need to programs making an impact around the world.

First program is called "Develop Africa",  CEFKorg has been working with this organization for a few years now.  Sending anything from kindles/ipads, laptops, to all-in-ones/computers.   These devices are changing the lives of students in and around Sierra Leone.  Develop Africa is a 501c3, non-profit organization founded with the aim of facilitating meaningful and sustainable development in Africa. They provide school supplies, scholarships, solar lights (so kids can study at night), mosquito nets (to keep children safe from malaria), computer/vocational training, etc. This helps them become self-sufficient and rise above the poverty line. When individuals and families are strengthened, they can contribute towards community, national, and international progress.

Last year CEFKorg was donated multiple All-In-One machines through a very generous donation (THANKS PAUL!), enough to fill a computer lab(around 20 computers).   With a little elbow grease and minor repair they were ready to be shipped over to Africa!  These computers now help students in a computer lab in Sierra Leonne with class study and vocation training. These all-in-ones along with all the other donations made by CEFKorg to Develop Africa has made an impact and we look forward to many more years of supporting our friends in Africa!
​