WHAT ARE AZ StRUT TECHIE LABS?

Back-to-school at AZ StRUT means our Techie Labs are gearing up for another hands-on year of skill building. Pallets of computers and other tech are ready to be delivered to our 40+ school partners! What happens to all these donated items?
 

AZStRUT’s Techie Labs bridge the gap between digital literacy and real-world technical skills by giving learners the opportunity to work directly with technology in hands-on Techie Labs set up in their classrooms. In partnership with computer classes in Arizona schools Techie Labs, started in the late 1990s by our founders, Intel and Motorola,  provide refurbished equipment, tools, and guided projects that prepare learners for industry-recognized certification courses, like CompTIA A+. Students gain valuable hands-on experience by diagnosing, repairing, and rebuilding desktops and laptops—devices that are then distributed to veterans, refugees, and low-income families who may otherwise lack access to essential technology.  All these items are mostly donated by YOU, our Arizona community. This approach not only equips learners with employable skills, but also creates a ripple effect, improving digital access across underserved communities and keeping our environment free from dangerous electronic waste while saving resources used in the production of new technology items. 
 

AZ StRUT Techie Labs are one way we support Arizona's Circular Economy with a long-term Education focus. 

Let's look more closely at a Techie Lab instructor and class. 

Spotlight on Brad Chamberlain, 

Techie Lab instructor

From Old Computers to New Careers: 

How Brad Chamberlain Turns Donated Tech Into Life-Changing Opportunities

After 30 years in education, Brad Chamberlain could have slowed down. Instead, the Maricopa High School computer maintenance and network security teacher is running one of the most hands-on, student-driven AZ StRUT Techie Lab programs in Arizona—and he’s just getting started.

For the past 13 years, Chamberlain has partnered with AZ StRUT to bring real-world technology into his classroom. In the early days, AZ StRUT provided the basics—monitors, desktops, and parts—when his program had nothing. Over the years, that partnership has grown into something much bigger: a Techie Lab where students tear down, rebuild, and repurpose donated equipment, gaining industry-recognized skills and certifications along the way.

The lab has even developed its own “tech store,” where refurbished Chromebooks—often better than the school-issued ones—are sold to students for $50 to keep as their own. “It’s the best of both worlds,” says Chamberlain. “The kids get reliable tech they can take ownership of, and we raise funds to keep our program thriving.”

The impact is clear. Chamberlain can rattle off success stories without pausing: Nate, who became a senior network engineer by age 21; Robert, an exchange student from Germany who earned several advanced cybersecurity certifications in one semester; and dozens of others now working in IT for companies like Wells Fargo, Microchip, and ASU.

But for Chamberlain, the real reward isn’t the résumé-worthy achievements—it’s the spark he sees when students realize they’re doing real work that matters. “We all learn more by doing,” he says. “When a kid spends lunch, weekends, or free periods in here just to keep building and fixing things, that’s when I know our Techie Lab approach is  working.”

After three decades, Chamberlain’s passion hasn’t dimmed. “I do it for that phone call years later from a student saying, ‘This class is that got me here.’ That’s why I teach.”

Keep our Techie Lab learners equipped to gain valuable skills and certificates for future careers. Funding for this program is needed to support our 40+ schools, add new schools, and engage over 3,000 learners. 

AZ StRUT SELECTED BY COX YUR VIEW 

for SHOW FEATURE

Last week AZ StRUT was the location for an all-day production of an episode of Cox Yur View. We are honored and grateful to the crew who created this excellent footage featuring our story on the Cox channel. We are all stars for a moment in this show! Stop by and ask for autographs!

Watch our 3-minute story AZ StRUT - Refurbish, Reuse, Recycle.

WHERE DO YOUR COMPUTER DONATIONS GO?!

Here's a story about a unique donation that found new homes and renewed impact at our Techie Lab school partner locations. 

Ever wondered what 

the AZ StRUT Circular Economy 

really looks like each week?

On average each week at AZ StRUT follows this pattern of collection and processing leading to our priorities of refurbish, reuse and recycle. Your support and donations make this all possible, starting with over 19,000 pounds PER WEEK.

WINNER WINNER!

Last month we asked our newsletter readers to guess how many Techie Camps we completed in June and July this year. The correct answer was 10 Techie Camps. Elizabeth was the winner of our contest and she looks happy with her swag bag prize. Thanks for reading and participating in our game! 

Please consider a financial contribution to promote sustainability and education through technology.