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WHO RECEIVES AZ StRUT DEVICES? 
 

SCHOOLS

We have been giving devices to Arizona schools since we started in 1998. At first, Intel and Motorola gave their discarded computers to schools and taught students how to refurbish them. Then students donated the renewed computers to Title I students at other schools. What a concept! That framework continues today in our over 40 Techie Labs where donated equipment is used for hands-on learning and then the renewed technology is returned to our community for a second or third life.  
 

Now, in addition to Techie Labs, schools and teachers may submit on-line requests for refurbished devices to use in classes. Budget cuts and higher prices have made technology supplies too expensive for many schools and teachers to purchase. AZ StRUT is proud to be a state-wide resource for our education community. 

Recently we were able to fill a request for devices from a teacher at school in southern Arizona. 

Elgin Elementary school teacher Callie Mattus wrote to us, "We are deeply grateful to AZ StRUT for their generous donation of iPhone11s to our elementary and middle schools. This kind donation will empower our students with up-to-date, hands-on learning experiences, including virtual reality, field trips, robotics, and more. Their educational journey will be enhanced in remarkable ways. Thank you for supporting our mission to provide innovative learning opportunities for every student."

Elgin School scholars using donated phones for virtual reality learning. 

Quartzsite Elementary District wrote this to us, "Thank you, AZ StRUT, for your generous donation and continued help to Quartzsite Elementary District #4. You went above and beyond to help us update our technology for our District. We are grateful to have your help in our District. P.S. Tom and Camilla helped so much with this project." 

Can you find these communities on a map of Arizona? Note: they are too small to be on this map. Look online. 

Each year AZ StRUT donates refurbished technology to schools all over Arizona. Please share our website link if you know a school who needs technology for their classrooms.  

NON-PROFITS

AZ StRUT also accepts requests from non-profits who need technology to achieve their mission in Arizona. After a technology assessment and review of the non-profit's history, we match qualified organizations with devices. 

The Arizona Center for Empowerment sent us this message:

"Finding AZ StRUT was like finding water in the desert, literally. We were trying to make sure that our students had access to everything they needed to reach their goals, but it's hard to get equipment like this on a non-profit budget. Our education programm has benefited immensely thanks to the generosity of our friends at 'StRUT. We really can't thank them enough. To this day we have maintained our relationship and hopefully continue to grow together." The photo below shows ACE learners who achieved their goals and earned a laptop computer. 

AZ StRUT also supports Public Libraries serving residents living in rural areas or on tribal land. 

INDIVIDUALS

Thanks to a generous grant from Circular Arizona, this year AZ StRUT began donating computers to individuals who apply and are selected through our lottery program: Digital Empower. The power of digital equity is clear from their requests and responses. 

R. received a grant to study cybersecurity but needed a computer. He has IT experience and wants to become a pentester. This laptop will allow him to work toward the certifications he needs. 

D. is studying toward his drivers' license test and his GED. 

O. says, "Thank you for the kindness you do and the hard work you and your team do each day...I'm having fun learning how to use it! I'm analog ... and a lil' bit behind technology wise but thanks to you guys I'm moving forward." 

L. wants to improve her computer skills so she can volunteer somewhere and be of service. She was also excited about being able to do tele-health appointments. She felt this would improve her life since she has transportation issues. 

One family is going to use the laptop for their high school student to complete online schooling. 

Another couple picked up a laptop for their friend who doesn't have a vehicle and is living on social security and a very limited income. They were so happy to be able to show their friend how to use the laptop and help her to become less isolated.

The photo below shows Keri's excitement because she’s never had her own laptop before. She plans to use her computer for college classes and to “further her employment opportunities.” 

Camilla Roberts, our Digital Equity Manager, says, "Your donations and support are essential to our success. Many individuals, schools and non-profits would not be able to achieve their goals without the devices we provide. Thank you to everyone who has donated and supported our work."

COLLECTING

MORE, MORE, MORE ELECTRONICS!

AZ StRUT has been off and running to make electronic waste recycling more accessible in rural Arizona. Since being selected by AZDEQ for one of 12 grants, we have identified local recycling champions in Bapchule, Nogales, Sells, and Superior. For some of these locations, this is the first time electronics recycling will be available to residents. 

Pictured below is the OS3 Movement Youth Center in Nogales where AZ StRUT placed two collection bins. 

Our goal is to co-design e-waste recycling plans with our local champions resulting in the collection of at least 25 tons of electronic waste from our new rural partners. In turn, AZ StRUT will be able to refurbish and distribute at least 300 computers to students and families who need them.
 

Additionally, partners are eligible for a free AZ StRUT Techie Camp. Below is a photo of learners at our Techie Camp in Nogales with YADA Youth who advocate for alternatives to drug and alcohol use. They took apart and rebuilt computers while learning about the components and operating systems. Each camper took home a free, refurbished computer to keep as their own. 

Increasing technology sustainability and digital inclusion in communities all over Arizona is achievable thanks to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, AZ StRUT and our partners.