Computer Reach completed 2 Digital Navigator projects in July, which distributed 40 computer bundles and 40 hotspots to local Pittsburgh residents and offered 1:1 in-person setup support and digital literacy training.
What is the Digital Navigators program?
Computer Reach's Digital Navigators program provides recipients with: a free desktop computer bundle (including an external webcam),
a free hotspot,
1:1 in-person setup support and digital literacy training,
and follow-up tech support over the phone or in-person as needed. All services are provided at no cost to the recipients. To learn more, read our news post or a testimonial from...
In July, Computer Reach had David Freudberg of Humankind Media come down to Pittsburgh to talk to one of our Digital Navigator recipients, Melvin Lewis. After hearing about our Digital Navigator program, Melvin wanted to hear firsthand from one of our recipients about the services we provided. The NPR story will be broadcast live nationally in September 2021.
Quotes from the Interview
Here are some quotes from Melvin about his experience with Computer Reach: "When you guys came to install and show me how to use the computer and internet, I couldn’t believe it. I felt so...
Our eBay Store is Online
Computer Reach is now selling items on our eBay page, including refurbished mobile devices, networking equipment (switches, access points, etc.), and high-end computers that are too expensive to sell locally. Devices will be distributed across the United States.
Other News
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Computers for Sale
Need a computer? We have affordable computers ($75 - $260) for sale in Pittsburgh! Current devices include 3 Apple MacBooks, 1 HP G71 Notebook, 1 Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 11e, and...
BIG NEWS! Computer Reach successfully provided a free desktop computer bundle to every eligible person on our Computer Lottery Program waitlist. We distributed roughly 365 bundles to local residents over an 8-month timeframe.
Computer Lottery Program
Computer Reach launched its Computer Lottery program in August 2020 as a means to get free Desktop Computer Bundles into the hands of the people who needed them most. Over a period of eight months, 365 people in the Greater Pittsburgh Area entered to win a bundle and received one. While we are proud to have gotten those individuals connected, we know that many more...
March Highlights
Age-Friendly Technology Guide Computer Reach published its first Age-Friendly Technology Guide. It features a list of affordable internet and technology options, technical support services, and technology training locations. Distributions Computer Reach distributed 25 laptops to Urban Strategies Inc. Their office in Pittsburgh serves the Larimer, East Liberty, and Homewood communities. They have identified 25 individuals who will greatly benefit from having access to technology.
Computer Reach distributed 1 Hotspot to a Spanish-speaking individual who was identified by the Latino Community Center. Our Operations Manager Kyle Spangler delivered the Hotspot...
February Highlights
New Sales Floor Computer Reach installed new marketing materials on our Warehouse Sales Floor. This was done in preparation for the opening of our Retail Store that will allow us to get affordable computers into the hands of local Pittsburgh residents. More information will be coming soon! Distributions Computer Reach distributed five laptops to Urban Strategies Inc. in Columbus, Ohio to assist with their virtual programming. 25 additional laptops will be distributed to their location in Pittsburgh to reinforce their ability to distribute computers to the individuals they support.
Computer Reach distributed four...
In August 2020, Computer Reach launched our Computer Lottery Program to get free Desktop Computer Bundles into the hands of local community members during a time when they needed it most. Now, in February 2021, we are celebrating the six-month anniversary of the program by awarding up to 20 Bundles each week to individuals in the Greater Pittsburgh Area!
About
2020 was a difficult year: The coronavirus began spreading in the United States, schooling and employment opportunities were either eliminated or moved online, and rather than meeting in person, we began meeting on screen. While 2020 was hard...
January Highlights
Distributions Computer Reach distributed 24 Windows OS Laptops to the Fayette County Community Action Agency, a nonprofit based in Fayette County. These laptops will be distributed to community members they work with to provide access to online programming.
We distributed 10 Laptops to Jewish Family Center and Community Services (JFCS) Pittsburgh to reinforce their virtual programming. Donations In January, we received a generous computer donation from PPG that included 25 Small Form Factor Desktops and 4 Laptops. The Laptops will be distributed to ASSET, an organization that works...
Student Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In a recent report, Common Sense Media stated that 50 million K-12 public school students had to transition to remote learning in 2020. However, of those students, roughly 30 percent lack adequate internet or devices to effectively learn from home. That's roughly 15 to 16 million students. In addition to its effects on the general student population, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the education of students receiving special education services in a substantial way. Due to school shutdowns and restricted operations, many special education students have been left without the support and services...
Seniors Struggling to Get Socially Connected
Since March 2020, older adults have had to limit all of their interactions with the outside world. Instead of enjoying conversations with their neighbors and strolling through grocery markets, many individuals have been stuck inside by themselves ordering groceries for delivery. Even the most basic interactions are now off-limits, and it's taking an emotional toll. Recognizing this need, Computer Reach was planning to launch a North Hills Community Outreach Project in April to get 13 socially-isolated seniors connected to the internet as a method to increase their opportunities for social connection. However, due...