Today’s COVID-19 environment has resulted in an increased reliance on technology that has magnified the digital divide present in San Antonio, exposing pre-existing social inequalities that prevent the most vulnerable populations from accessing and participating in today’s digital economy.
While 87% of San Antonio households with children have access to a desktop or laptop at home, 59% of those San Antonio households are now sharing a device according to the City of San Antonio Office of Innovation’s recent Digital Inclusion Survey and Assessment. Given a world where, at least in the foreseeable future, both school and work activity requires full-time connecting, learning and productivity at home becomes negatively impacted when there are fewer devices to meet demand. Such gaps disproportionately affect those of lower income; and therefore, affect the success of both generations now and those to come. Collaborative partnerships and innovative solutions are needed to place quality, affordable devices in the hands of those who will benefit the most.
With an uncertain 2020-2021 school year anticipated to contain enhanced distance learning options compounded with increased job insecurity, laptops and other computer related equipment are needed now more than ever. Each donated device, whether a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer, becomes an important lifeline to student achievement, job attainment, and skill development.
1,900 laptops are needed over the next six months to support Goodwill San Antonio’s Technology Access Program targeting individuals and organizations who have limited access to technology.
To meet this need, Goodwill San Antonio is asking business and community partners to donate gently used devices. To set up a donation appointment or for more information, contact the Goodwill San Antonio Electronics Program Team at Computers@goodwillsa.org or call (210) 271-8800.
The program accepts both commercial and residential donations of computers and related devices and safely and responsibly refurbishes equipment with a goal of placing as many devices back in the community as possible. With a digital divide that extends beyond the borders of our major metropolitan area, collaborative partnerships with other non-profit partners such as Restore Education, Libraries Without Borders, and the San Antonio Housing Authority, help expand distribution efforts to a larger geographical footprint.
Goodwill San Antonio’s Electronics Recycling Program provides certified IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) services to help companies manage their data securely while giving back to our community. This includes performing HDD sanitization and shredding services to meet compliance needs. The program then focuses on refurbishing donated computers in an effort to help bridge the digital divide, empowering our community to connect to education, workforce development, and healthcare.
Individuals wishing to donate electronics (small volume of items), they can donate to any Goodwill donation location. Or, if you have questions and/or want to learn more, please contact the Electronics Team at Computers@goodwillsa.org or call (210) 271-8800.
Business organizations with a large volume of donations should schedule an appointment with The Electronics Team.
For more information on Goodwill San Antonio’s Electronics Recycling, IT Asset Disposition, and Technology Access Programs, visit the Goodwill's websites:
Goodwill SA ITAD Services
Goodwill SA Technology Access Program or call (210) 271-8800.
