In March 2021, we started our Tech Accessibility Program (TAP) to support students in grades K-12 or those who are continuing their education by providing them with refurbished technology. Having access to technology has become an essential part of daily life. We use them for school, for work, for shopping, and to keep in touch with our loved ones virtually. For many, however, gaining access to this technology is getting more difficult and expensive.
The COVID-19 pandemic only intensified the need for students at all levels to have access to technology. Students often have access to technology to engage in remote learning, but typically those resources are returned at the end of the school year, leaving students without them during breaks. Those pursuing higher education usually do not have access to technology when attending remote classes, which hinders their ability to earn their degree. TAP has been opened up nationwide, as well as to our connections overseas, to help as many people as possible gain access to crucial technology.
To apply for the TAP program, prospective applicants fill out an application that discusses their exact needs and what technology they require. Our tech team begins the process as soon as the application is received. There are five key steps to help students get technology.
Step 1: The Application
Receiving a TAP application is the very first step for our team. The application is submitted by a student, their guardian, or an organization. We can use this application to find out who is applying for the technology and how many pieces of technology they may require. A candidate fills out this form on our website and our tech team members are notified as soon as someone needs assistance.
Step 2: Verification and Processing
The next step after we review an application is to ensure that Techdren’s status is verified. The purpose of this step is to determine the student’s school, grade, state, and that they are actively pursuing an education.
Step 3: Customizing Our Laptops To Fit Each Student
As soon as we confirm a student’s status, we gather more information to better match the student with the technology we have available. Activities that they participate in at school and software used in their classes fall under this category. We need to take this step to ensure that we can provide a suitable laptop to run the necessary programs to fit each student’s needs. Finally, operating systems and standard programs are installed, so the laptop is ready for use as soon as it is delivered.
Step 4: Mailing Process
Once we have the applicant’s technology ready and the shipping information has been confirmed, the refurbished tech is sent out in the mail by a member of our team. The shipping details are provided to the applicant and the team follows up once the package arrives to ensure that the student received it. When a student is local, a meet-up is scheduled to deliver the technology in person.
Step 5: Following Up
As soon as students receive their technology, Techdren provides support with any questions about the device or how the device is used. By keeping in touch with our TAP students, we can ensure everything went smoothly during shipping and can work with our recipients, teaching them how to use their new technology and answering any questions they may have.
We follow these five steps in order to provide students with the technology they need as quickly as possible. In addition to our TAP application form, we have our technical team email address for anyone looking to donate old tech or for anyone who has questions about the donation process. If you, or someone you know, are looking to continue their education and are in need of technology, please visit our website for more information and to apply: https://techdren.org/tap/
