PCs for People

OUR STORY

Founded in 1998, PCs for People is a national leader in digital inclusion. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every project, program and initiative at PCs for People is centered on getting low-cost computers and affordable broadband internet into the homes of low-income individuals. Through an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve, we have provided 155,000 people with home computers, connected 165,000 people to low-cost internet, and recycled over 8 millions of pounds of electronics. Digital inclusion efforts such as ours are essential in today’s society, where it is increasingly hard to access education, healthcare or employment opportunities without access to a computer and the internet. Our model is a self-sustainable social enterprise centered on building community value in every part of our program.

PCs for People’s model contributes to environmental sustainability by intercepting usable computers before they reach landfills and refurbishing them for reuse. Businesses typically retire computers long before their usable life is over and this has contributed to America becoming the largest producer of electronic waste in the world. We offer businesses a certified secure electronic recycling service. This IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) service is free and offers benefits such as privacy and total data security that businesses would ordinarily have to pay for. Any usable computers obtained through this service have their data securely wiped using our NAID AAA certified process and are then refurbished for distribution. Our environmental certifications ensure that all electronic waste we cannot reuse is recycled sustainably with zero-landfill impact.In creating our recycling workforce, we have built an award winning partnerships with MSS (formerly Midwest Special Services), a nonprofit that supports adults with intellectual and physical disabilities to help them reach their personal goals and achieve their full potential. MSS clients are provided hands-on experience through work training, internship and volunteer opportunities within our electronic waste recycling processes.

OUR IMPACT

Over 180,000 Computers Distributed

Our refurbished computers have touched the lives of people around the United States enabling access to better educational, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Over 70,000 People Connected to Internet

PCs for People customers range from a variety of backgrounds and include high-schoolers, college students, working professionals, and seniors among others.

Over 8 Million Pounds of Technology Recycled

As a R2 certified organization, PCs for People has the highest certification for environmental stewardship. We are the only Minnesota recycler and one of two in Colorado with both the R2 and NAID AAA certifications.

Mission

Through electronic reuse PCs for People provides the opportunity for all low-income individuals and nonprofits to benefit from the life changing impact of computers and mobile internet.