What is the Computers for Classrooms Program?
Computers for Classrooms, Inc.(CFC) was
founded in 1991 as an all-volunteer committee through the Chico Unified School
District. In August of 2001 we incorporated and have received our 501(c)(3)
tax-exempt status from the IRS. Our pledge has been to receive surplus computers,
to refurbish and upgrade them using volunteer labor, and to supply them to
public and private schools.
Since 2002 we have also dedicated our efforts
to furnish computers to families. The benefits of having a home computer are
many. High school students are 10% less likely to drop out of school, and
are twice as likely to attend college if they have access to a home computer
their senior year in high school.
California classrooms are ranked among the bottom three
states when comparing the ratio of students to computers. California has 4.4
students for every computer. Our libraries have 100 students for every available
computer. Many libraries have a 30 minute time limit after waiting in line.
At CFC we want the students to be "on line" and not "in line".
All students must have equal access to technology or the "digital divide"
will continue to widen.
CFC through the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher program
(MAR) can make computers available for home use through qualifying organizations.
Examples of those programs qualifying for MAR licenses include:
If your organization would like to partner with CFC to
bring home computers to your participants, please contact us to see if your
members would qualify. Any program which can provide community access to those
who are not able to get it would qualify. We hope to have a system of collecting
money and distribution worked out so that we are not asked to work with individuals
one at a time. The recipients can get a licensed, complete Pentium III system
for $90 with Windows 2000 and Open Office or a Pentium III system with Windows
XP and Office XP for $120. All systems have a 1 year warranty - to be repaired
or replaced at our option for free when returned to our facility.
In the early years we serviced just the Chico Unified
School District’s 22 schools. As our program has grown we have placed computers
in 33 different counties from Hollywood to the Oregon border.
We recycle computers as well as refurbish them. All computers
are triaged to see if they are acceptable for classroom or home use. Every effort
is made to make use of all useable parts. All non-useable computers, monitors
and accesories are recycled so that they do not end up in the landfill.
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