Los Altos Student-led Nonprofit Revives Old Tech To Close The Digital Divide

EqOpTech, (short for Equal Opportunity Technology) is a Los Altos student-led nonprofit seeking to revive and reuse older technology as a learning tool to enable students with an "equal opportunity" access to STEM education through technology.

Use of innovative technology to "enable" older technology

The EqOpTech Program leverages technology to solve a multitude of real problems. The program truly promotes equal opportunity technology education to all students: (a) it empowers student volunteers to learn technology and leadership skills, and at the same time, (b) enables disadvantaged students with technology tools for homework and STEM learning, (c) transforms potentially hazardous e-waste into useful education tools.

Breathe new life into old laptop using lightweight Linux

With Linux Ubuntu/Lubuntu installed into old white MacBooks and Windows laptops as a dual boot, students are now able to access the latest Google Applications and other cloud applications. The Linux dual boot not only allow access to the latest tech applications but also boosts system performance of older laptops so that they are as good as new.

Computer-in-a-Box Service Project

EqOpTech launches Computer-in-a-Box Project at Los Altos schools to refurbish and revive older laptops benefiting students in need. Under this project, each student volunteer will be provided with a MacBook in a box and a kit consisting of a power adapter, installation guide and an installation disk to install dual boot Linux alongside Mac OS. For refurbishing instruction, a Youtube and/or live training will be given to help walk students through the refurbishing process. EqOpTech plans to replicate more version of "Computer-in-a-Box" service projects to other students in the Bay Area.

Used Laptop Drives

EqOpTech seeks donations of functioning laptops (Windows or Mac platform) with appropriate power adapters for students in need at Almond Elementary School and Blach Junior High School. Each laptop will be refurbished to its full functionality with operating system and removal of all personal data prior to deployment. Disable any password prior to donating. Donations are tax deductible. A tax receipt will be provided on request.

To donate, drop off at the collection box in the offices of Almond, Blach or Santa Rita schools in Los Altos. To coordinate a pickup and for more information, email donate@eqoptech.org or call 559-8338 and leave a call back number.

Summer Leader and Intern Volunteer Opportunities

EqOpTech aims not only to mentor and train students in computer engineering skills, but also to inspire students’ involvement to give back and be a role model to needy students in under-served community. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience involving community service and leadership responsibilities. Activities may include:

• Conducting Used Laptop Drives in the neighboring communities
• Computer-in-a-Box Refurbish Program
• Plan and coordinate STEM programs outreach
• Team up with local community organizations to teach, mentor and motivate young learners to develop STEM interests and skills
• Web development targeted for younger audience
• Participate and teach STEM workshops such as Khan Academy, Hour of Code targeted at disadvantaged kids and low income families
• Blogging and newsletter for tech and STEM topics
• Marketing and social media programs

If you have a passion in technology and would like to give back to the local community, please apply here. Students will earn volunteer community service hours.

EqOpTech is proud to recognize student volunteers' community service here.

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For more stories about the EqOpTech Community Program, please visit:

'I Give Them a New Life': High School Student Tackles Silicon Valley’s Digital Divide with Refurbished Computers, by Rebecca Greenway, April 26, 2017, NBC Bay Area

Nonprofit teaches tech skills, fights inequity, by Jane Ridgeway, April 5, 2017, Los Altos Town Crier