New Life for Old Computers
Recycling has become a way of life in the 1990s. Cans, bottles, paper, you name it, we try to find a second use for the stuff. So why not computers? Businesses replace computers frequently, more often because they are outdated rather than malfunctioning. If companies in California would give the schools just 10% of the 1.5 million computers that they take out of service each year, the state would catapult to first place in the number of computers per student. With one computer for every 14 students, California now ranks a dismal 45th among states.
The Detwiler Foundation is trying to change that. A nonprofit organization in San Diego, the Detwiler Foundation collects and distributes used computers to schools statewide. The gifts come from individuals and businesses, large and small. The donated equipment is refurbished and upgraded by students at 52 computer repair centers across the state--in high schools, regional occupational programs, community colleges, state prisons and five California Youth Authority facilities.
Since 1991, the foundation has distributed about 20,000 computers to K-12 schools, both public and private. In May, Detwiler distributed 538 computers to schools in Los Angeles County such as Castle Heights Elementary School and Palms Middle School. Last fall, schools in Orange County received 200 computers through the program.
Demand from schools far outstrips the availability of computers. Merrill Lynch recently promised to donate to the Detwiler Foundation’s Computers for Schools Program more than 2,500 computers, 110 laser printers and 300 servers (equipment that electronically links computers and users). Donors of equipment and funds include Pacific Bell, IBM, Intel, AirTouch Communications Foundation and Wells Fargo Bank.
Without such private donations, California students will not become computer literate, a critical workplace skill for the 21st century. The state now earmarks only $3.40 per student specifically for educational technology.
Imagine what California schools and students could be if more computers were recycled for educational purposes.
To Take Action: Donors can call (800) 939-6000. For additional information: Fax: (619) 456-9918). E-mail: info@detwiler.org. Web site: https:www.detwiler.org. Equipment is collected at 39 sites statewide.
