In northern New Jersey, Laptop Upcycle and Montclair Kiwanis are joining forces to help students access technology. Many students have laptops from school, but these devices can only be used during school hours. This limit can make it difficult for them to continue learning at home.
Laptop Upcycle is a dedicated all-volunteer organization. They collect old laptops, safely erase the data, and repair them for middle and high school students who qualify. Since starting, they have delivered over 1,900 laptops and provided more than 7,800 volunteer hours, mostly from high school students. They have also prevented about 13,000 pounds of electronic waste from ending up in landfills.
Montclair Kiwanis, another local nonprofit, has been a great partner. This group, rechartered in 2019, helps distribute laptops during events such as the Back-to-School drive and a recent initiative at East Orange Campus High.
Frances Smith, a spokesperson for Laptop Upcycle, shares, “Our work with Montclair Kiwanis helps us give students the tools they need to thrive.”
