cyber services

Student-run nonprofit builds computers for community members in need

ian curtis & debkonya banerjee executive editor & online editor

There are few devices in today’s society more ubiquitous than a simple computer. More than just an entertainment device, it has become an almost mandatory fixture in homes across the nation.

Despite the digitization of everything from education to public records, nearly 10% of American households do not own a computer, according to a 2018 U.S. Census study. A 2020 U.S. Census survey conducted while virtual education was prevalent nationwide found that over four million households with students lacked consistent access to a computer.

Project Computer Donation was founded by students to provide a solution for those in Bryan-College Station who cannot afford a device.

“Our primary goal is to reduce the digital divide in our community,” vice president and senior Kyler Larsen said. “Everything is online. You need technology to be a full participant [in society]. We can provide access to computers to people in need.”

The organization is a registered non-profit run entirely by students. Those in need of a computer fill out a form on the charity’s website, and the organization’s members do their best to assist.

“We have a form that you [can] fill out,” senior Kenny Lin said. “You give us your contact info and what you need, and we try to [respond] to your requests as fast as possible.”

The program spawned from the students’ previous interest in computer technology, says founder and CEO and senior Michael Yang.

“I like building computers,” Yang said. “I like seeing this metal behemoth that I’ve made with my own hands come to life and be able to serve someone and help them out.”

Once the students involved in Project CD realized how essential computer devices are to the basic functions of society, they resolved to ensure everyone could learn the same skills they had.

“More and more people are realizing that programming and computers are an essential part of kids’ futures,” Yang said. “We want to be able to provide equal opportunities for everyone, equal access to education [and] equal access to information through these computers.”

The scale of the project is limited by the fact that it is made up solely of students.

“Hopefully we can [branch out to other cities],” Lin said. “But it’s kind of hard because we’re just a bunch of high schoolers.”

But that weakness is also the organization’s greatest strength.

“It doesn’t feel like a work meeting,” Larsen said. “It feels like hanging out with my friends. But we get to do stuff that’s helpful to the community. That’s been one of the most fun things about it.”

Their bond has allowed the organization to grow and plan for the future.

“We want to have an event where people can build computers or learn how to build computers and learn for themselves,” Lin said. “I hope it keeps continuing to help people out.”

To continue their contributions to their community, Project CD is funded entirely by donations, either monetary or material in nature.

“Everything we do is just a result of people that donate to [Project CD],” Larsen said. “We rely on donations solely, and it’s worked so far. But we need more money.”

Yang says the most enjoyable part about the charity efforts is the reaction to their work.

“[I] get a sense of accomplishment,” Yang said. “Giving the computer to the people who need it and seeing the smile on their faces when they realize they finally have access to the internet and education and information is an indescribably good feeling. That’s why I keep doing it.”