Computer Connects is one of Net Literacy's five core programs. Net Literacy is a student-managed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes youth philanthropy through a series of community outreach programs. The company's mission is to empower students to increase computer access by increasing computer access, computer and Internet literacy, and Internet safety awareness programs. At the same time, Net Literacy student volunteers learn life skills, job skills, and gain an opportunity to give back to their community. Net Literacy has increased computer access to well over 100,000 individuals, its Internet safety awareness program has been viewed by 100,000s, and its programs have been recognized by our nation’s leadership, including Presidents Clinton and Bush.

Computer Connects' Work Results in 100s of New Computer Labs!

Computer Connects Repurposing Facilities  Throughout the year, student volunteers work and have repurposed thousands of computers for elementary schools, HUD apartments, Section 8 apartments, libraries, independent living facilities, assisted living facilities, pre-schools, community centers, senior centers, and other nonprofits at the Repurposing Facility.  Students come together from different schools on Saturdays to serve their community and reduce the digital divide. The Repurposing Facility has Internet access so that drivers can be downloaded and XP licenses can be activated via the Net. It's hard work, but it's a lot of fun.  Student volunteers use customized "one click" slipstream CDs to efficiently load XP, OpenOffice.org, antispyware, and antivirus applications. There is definitely a social component to students getting together from different schools and working to make the world a better place!  The Computer Connects’ World Record is 100 computers completed in an extended Saturday repurposing marathon!

Computer Connects Summer Programs  Each summer, high schools hold summer programs that have resulted in thousands of computers being repurposed.  Some computers are used to ensure students have Internet access in the schools’ classrooms, other computers are used to build up to 35 seat computer labs, and thousands of computers are sent home to the families of students that do not have a computer at home.  Some schools repurpose computers to make certain that every student attending the high school has a computer at home and others provide a computer to each member of the entering freshman class each year. During the summer programs, student volunteers learn job skills, life skills, and have an opportunity to give back to their community.  Students are working together to make a difference, one computer at a time.