For many kids, lack of digital access means that they’re unable to complete their homework and often fall behind their peers. Having any device doesn't always make it easy; at Free Geek we often hear that students are typing term papers and submitting assignments on their cell phones because they don't have access to a computer at home.  

Our Plug into Portland program was created to close this "homework gap" by gifting refurbished laptop or desktop computers to k-12 students who complete 24 hours of community service at any nonprofit or community change organization in the Portland Metro area. In March, in order to reach directly out to students, we launched a pilot partnership with Cesar Chavez School in the Portland Public School District.

Cesar Chavez serves a diverse community representing people from various cultural and economic groups. For many, English is not the first language they learned. Throughout the program we worked closely with school staff and administration to teach and provide training materials in the students’ preferred language. When students got their computers, the excitement in the room was overwhelming; the students were eager to learn, sharing their volunteer experiences and how they were going to be using their new hard-earned laptop.

One such student was Abdul, an excited 6th grader, who was eager to talk about  his volunteer experience. He beamed with accomplishment as he talked about helping the art and second grade teachers at the school. He would often spend his time with them after school; putting up posters, cleaning their classrooms, and organizing bookshelves.

When asked about his plans for his computer, Abdul replied with "I'm most excited to do my work and play games”. 

Many students worked within the school to complete their volunteer hours. Common activities included tutoring fellow students, helping teachers like Abdul did, and other community building tasks. Others volunteered for outside organizations, spending their free time and weekends giving back to the local community in their neighborhood.

Yvonne, another student in the program, had been volunteering with the local Humane Society since October. As a volunteer, Yvonne walked the dogs, spent time with the cats, and cared for various small animals; but of course-- “only the fuzzy ones!”

She even began taking advanced classes for experienced volunteers focused on helping nervous animals overcome their anxiety and teaching them tricks. “I love volunteering at the humane society because I get to help the animals, you know, be there for them and comfort them”.

When asked about what she’s most excited to do with her computer, she said: “...work on school work, because it’s what all the teachers want us to do”. 

In total, there were 25 students who completed their volunteer hours and were able to take home a computer. At the end of the program, we gifted those 25 students with their Plug into Portland certification and awarded them with their very own hard-earned laptops. Everyone was thrilled to have a computer of their own for the first time-- to play games, connect with each other online and of course to do their homework. 

Stories like Yvonne's and Abdul’s are why we do the work that we do. Not only are we able to provide technology to someone who may otherwise not have the same access to it, but we are encouraging others to give back to their community in meaningful ways. 

Last year, 115 students participated in our Plug into Portland program and collectively completed over 2,760 hours of community service; and we hope to serve even more students in 2019!