The digital landscape has changed significantly since 1995 when the BC Technology for Learning Society (BCTLS) began providing computers to schools through a federal government program.

Today, the BCTLS now provides refurbished devices to non-profits, schools and low-income individuals who need access to affordable technology. 

含羞草研究社淲e did achieve our 200,000 computer milestone last March, we were excited about that,含羞草研究社� said Mary-Em Waddington, BCTLS executive director. 含羞草研究社淲e distributed over 7,000 computers across B.C. last fiscal year.含羞草研究社�

The non-profit organization collects donations of used devices primarily from the federal government, local businesses and post-secondary institutions.

含羞草研究社淲e have youth on a paid internship to learn to refurbish those computers and distribute them back to schools, non-profit organizations and low-income family homes,含羞草研究社� Waddington explained.

She said many children and youth now take their own devices to school but pointed out that many families cannot afford to provide their kids a laptop or tablet. The need for 含羞草研究社渢echnology for everyone,含羞草研究社� the BCTLS vision statement, was particularly relevant during COVID.

含羞草研究社淭hat really opened everyone含羞草研究社檚 eyes about the importance of the work that we do because everyone had to learn from home, if there was a device,含羞草研究社� Waddington noted. 含羞草研究社淭hat created a lot of problems for a number of families, making sure everyone was supported with technology to do their daily things.含羞草研究社�

She said one school district BCTLS provided computers with commented that a "student not having their own device to use sets them apart and creates inequality."

Devices are free to those who are eligible, and the organization also offers refurbished computers for sale on its website to help cover costs.

含羞草研究社淲e含羞草研究社檙e feeling a lot of inflation points as others are,含羞草研究社� Waddington said. 含羞草研究社淚t helps with our operating costs and still maintains an affordable package for someone who is low-income and needs access to a computer.含羞草研究社�

In August, the organization partnered with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction to provide 500 students with a free laptop to help reduce their costs and enhance their learning. The students, who are aging out of care, receive the Ministry of Children and Family Development Provincial Tuition Waiver.

含羞草研究社淭hat is such a good news story and speaks to the innovation we are able to deliver,含羞草研究社� Waddington added. This innovative use of government funds is helping youth with limited access to tech secure their own device and take charge of their technology and future.含羞草研究社�

There were 55 computers delivered to Okanagan College students.

含羞草研究社淭o work in a re-use organization that is helping with education and making sure people have the things they need is very meaningful to me,含羞草研究社� Waddington said.

The BCTLS accepts donations of gently-used computers, 8th generation or newer (5-6 years old), that will run Windows 11, Apple products, and monetary gifts.

More information is available on the .