How to Get Free Computers? (& why it’s Easier than You Think)

In the modern digital age, having access to a computer is no longer a luxury; rather, it is a need. It can be puzzling to locate own free computers for low income individuals and families. There are only so many groups that give away free computers, and the demand isn’t always met by the supply.

So, luckily, gaining a free computer doesn’t require you to go over any hoops. Hence, we’ve jumped over those hoops for you with our list of local and national groups. Thus, let’s start the article.

Top National Programs offer Free Computers Programs

If you’re looking to get free computers for yourself or a family member, nationally is a great place to start. Also, there are a few national charities that work to provide computers for low income persons and families that you can reach out to.

• Computers with Causes

For families who fit the qualifying criteria, this platform Computers with Causes is a donation based gifting program, that provides free computers. Also, this company sells laptops, tablets, PCs, and other electronics.

They ask you to fill out a contact form and explain your need because their program is need based. Despite the fact that the program does not specify an income requirement.

While it says it helps people who “sincerely require support,” it also says that gifts of computers are evaluated by yourself.

• The On It Foundation

The On It Foundation helps poor families and at-risk youth by giving computers to them. It serves K–12 students and their families.

So, you must be a K–12 student sign up in a public school, and eligible for free or reduced lunch in order to be eligible for a free computer.
Parents must submit a letter of request in order to apply for the program. But this letter needs to detail their situation and how their child could benefit from the computer.

• PCs for people

A national nonprofit organization called PCs for People recycles donated computers to give over 174,000 people access to PCs. In order to qualify for this program, your income must not exceed 200% of the federal poverty threshold.  Or be sign up in a support program, or earn up to 60% of the median income in the area. A photo ID and eligibility documents that are current within the last six months are need even though you can apply for a computer online. After you will apply for the personal computers program.

• With Causes

Apart from offering useful services like disability support and gift cars, With Causes provides recycled and repurposed computers to families and youth who are at risk. Also, this service is provided as needed, as decided by the board of directors. So, you must finish the Individuals and Family Application and mail it to their Clovis, California office to apply for free computers yourself.

How to locate local firms that offer free Computers

State run programs and nonprofit community groups also provide free computers to poor families and folks, as well as federal programs.

Examine the Local Programs in Technology

Since the waiting lists for federal programs can be very lengthy. So, you might want to look for local programs that give low-income families and individuals access to tech, like free computers or cell phones. These community based programs, for instance, provide poor families with a range of tech services.

1. People of California can obtain free computers from Computers for Classrooms.
2. The goal of the nationwide nonprofit Compudopt is to close the digital divide by giving those in need access to computers. And another tech operations in over 43 cities.
3. Under the University of Michigan’s LSA Laptop Loan Program, students can borrow a Mac Book for the duration of their under graduate studies.
4. Kramden provides free computers to K–12 students in Durham, North Carolina over the Tech Scholars program. If they do not have access to a useful home computer.  

You will easily grab free computers by using these platforms.

Colleges that offer Free Computers for Students

Students can access tech services from a wide range of credited colleges. A virtual IT help desk and down loadable educational software are two examples of these services. Also, Special software and devices may also be given to specific majors.

But there are few school specific fitness requirements and program rules apply.  So, you will need to check out the policies and programs related to tech at your college.

Check out the list below to find out more about familiar online colleges that provide students with free computers in low prices and other tech related benefits. The list is as follows.

The College of San Diego

The SDSU flow desk has a variety of gear offered for checkout. These are iPads, Chrome books, Mac Book Pros, and Dell Windows laptops. Until the end of the semester, the loans are in effect.

First come, first- served policy applies to SDSU loans. So, the college offers a lot of fixtures such as chargers, webcams, headsets, and external storage devices are also lent by the school. A supreme of seven days can be hired for some of the fixtures.

Indiana University Bloomington (IUB)

The Student Care and Resource Center’s (IUB) Laptop Loaner Program allows users to rent free computers for up to a full semester. Also, the school will assess your request and case if you require the device for a lengthy period of time.

While the devices that are available are partial, they are all capable of running Windows based software.  So, you are in charge of your storage device and will be charged a spare cost for lost or broken items. To buy free computers from this college you must go and visit their website.

Ohio State University

The Student Technology Loan Program is run by the OSU and digital innovation. As an OSU student, you can get a loaned iPad and/or Microsoft Surface for a semester or more.

You must return or renew the rented device by the end of the semester. To renew your loan, you must sign up in the next semester. Such as summer classes. Cases, charging cables, styluses, and Apple pencils are among the accessories available for use. To grab free computers you must visit their website.

Georgia Institute of Technology

You can borrow an AT&T hotspot or Windows 10 free computers for internet access from end to end the Georgia Tech Technology Equipment Loan Program. Adobe Acrobat, Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Office are pre-installed on every device.

Also, you are free to keep the device until you graduate from Georgia Tech or no longer need it, as there are no time restrictions on loans. So, the devices that you have been loaned can even be shipped to your home by the school.

Programs and Groups Help Seniors with Free Computers and Laptops

• Senior Laptop Program

Seniors with low incomes can receive free computers and training in digital literacy through the Senior Laptop Project. So, this nonprofit makes sure seniors have the tools and knowledge to remain linked and use the internet for basic services.

• Seniors’ Laptops

It was created in 2018, Laptops 4 Seniors is a national society with sites in several cities. To promise that low income seniors have the resources need for digital inclusion, they provide free laptops and practical support wholly to them.  Also, further details are available at their site. So, if you want to obtain free computers just visit their site.

• The Human-I-T

This was created by James Jack in 2012, Human-I-T has operations in Los Angeles, CA; Detroit, MI; and Baltimore, MD. For low-income people, such as seniors, this group offers free computers and training in digital literacy. Also, they make sure that each person has access to tech is their mission, with the goal of closing the digital divide.

• Inter connection

Inter Connection was established by Charles Brennick in 1999 and has operations in Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; and San Francisco, CA. Further, they give free computers to low-income people, such as seniors, and nonprofit organizations for free or at a reduced cost. So, if you want to receive a free computer just go to their site.

How to Grab Free Computers for Low Income Families

The need for a computer at home has never been higher, with many jobs shifting to remote support and students no longer learning in an old classroom.  So, despite their constant need, low-income families often find it hard to afford the high cost of computers.
Also, we want low-income families to know that help is available, as the COVID-19 pandemic has knowingly better the need for computers.

Below are the sources from which you grab free computers. 

1. Give technology
2. Salvation Army
3. Goodwill
4. Pcs for people