ReTech for Kids

ReTech for Kids

ReTech for Kids

A nonprofit organization that collects, refurbishes, and redistributes second-hand technology to underserved communities around the globe.

Virginia, USA

USA

Nonprofit

In a world marked by rapid technological growth and digitalization, access to technology is no longer a privilege - it’s a necessity. Nonetheless, two-thirds of the children around the world, or 1.3 billion children ages 3-18, do not have reliable access to personal devices, according to UNICEF. This digital divide in education exacerbates existing socioeconomic rifts, as globally, 58% of school-age children in the richest households have device access, compared to just 16% of the poorest households. This gap extends across countries, too—fewer than 1 in 20 children in low-income nations are connected, versus nearly 9 in 10 in high-income countries. This is extremely concerning, as global pandemics similar to COVID-19 threaten in-person education, most modern jobs demand foundational computer skills, and essential services—from healthcare to government resources—are increasingly accessed online. In brief, the digital divide isolates children from the modern economy and jeopardizes the prosperity of the next generation. This digital divide not only reflects existing socioeconomic disparities but also deepens them, as children without reliable connectivity fall further behind in education and opportunity, creating a vicious cycle in which inequality fuels the digital divide, and the digital divide, in turn, entrenches inequality.

ReTech for Kids is an organization that collects, refurbishes, and redistributes second-hand devices to underprivileged students. We collaborate with businesses and community centers to collect devices. Then, with the help of trained student volunteers, we diagnose, repair, and upgrade each device’s hardware and software. Our software refurbishment process utilizes open-source diagnostic tools and custom Linux distributions. We utilize lightweight Linux distros as they don’t compromise on cybersecurity or user-friendliness, but can operate well on older devices that can’t run Windows or MacOS. Currently, we are developing a modified version of Linux Mint XFCE called ReTechOS that is specifically designed for students and first-time PC owners. We perform essential repairs and upgrades such as replacing hard drives with SSDs, upgrading RAM, cleaning out internals, and testing keyboards, batteries, and displays. We also work with Wi-Fi dongles and webcam peripherals when built-in components are damaged or missing, ensuring the devices are fully functional for school use. Once each device has passed our quality checks, we partner with other nonprofits to identify students most in need. Devices are then delivered directly to the nonprofit for distribution, along with basic digital literacy guides and access to ongoing tech support when possible.

ReTech for Kids aims to serve K-12 students around the globe whose lack of technology hinders their education. Many students rely on family-shared devices or slow, outdated devices that significantly hinder their ability to complete homework, attend virtual classes, or pursue passions that demand expensive hardware, such as coding or video editing. For most of these students, purchasing a new device simply isn’t feasible. Our solution directly addresses this need by affording students free, fully-functioning devices. For many of our recipients, our donation is their first personal computer ever, so each of our devices comes pre-installed with basic software and tools, along with instructions on how to use them. We also include resources to help students and families get connected to affordable, or even free, internet options when possible. Our devices give students the opportunity to build digital skills, learn remotely, and develop skills critical to the modern workforce. In the short term, this helps meet their immediate educational needs. In the long term, these devices open up new doors and ensure a level playing field.