By Terence Lee
EqOpTech is proud to announce it has been awarded a Community Grant of $2,500 by the Los Altos Community Foundation (LACF). The Los Altos Community Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations and activities that directly serve the residents of Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, and the surrounding community.
The LACF Community Grant will be used to bridge the digital and education divide by enabling free, equal opportunity learning via access to technology in under-served community while inspiring and engaging student volunteers to give back and serve as role models to gain meaningful experiences and leadership skills.
Since inception, the nonprofit has launched various initiatives, including laptop donation drive, Computer-in-a-Box refurbishing program and STEM workshops. These service projects not only aim to provide students with a platform to gain real-world experience and leadership skills but also mentor and train students in computer engineering skills. To date, the nonprofit organization has received approximately 500 donated laptops from individuals, schools and companies. Each laptop will be refurbished to its full functionality with operating system and removal of all personal data prior to deployment.
"Thanks to LACF, this grant will contribute towards missing or defective laptop components such as power adapters, hard disk drives and batteries for the Computer-in-a-Box refurbishing program," said Terence Lee, Founder and CEO. “This will allow us to revive older technology to access the cloud (Google Drive) and provide students with real-world work experience.” He added, “We also plan to offer a series of hands-on computer networking summer workshops for high potential, low income students to gain tech experience and achieve their college and career dreams.”
"Los Altos Community Foundation is pleased to support EqOpTech's work. It is important for all students to have access to the Internet for learning and career preparation," said Joe Eyre, Executive Director at Los Altos Community Foundation.
Joe Eyre, LACF Executive Director (left), Terence Lee, EqOpTech Founder
About EqOpTech
EqOpTech Inc. is an IRS-designated tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that enables free, equal opportunity learning via access to technology in under-served community. EqOpTech provides easy access to computer hardware, software, and mentor support in STEM education. For more information, visit www.EqOpTech.org. Follow EqOpTech on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
About LACF
Now in its 25th year, Los Altos Community Foundation enables residents, private foundations, and businesses to strengthen the community through local philanthropy and civic engagement. The Foundation, its donors, and volunteers provide grants and scholarships, operate leadership and community-building programs, incubate “startup” nonprofits, offer donor-directed charitable funds, and convene groups to solve community issues. For more information, visit www.losaltoscf.org