May 18-24, 2007

Computers for Youth program expands to Atlanta

NONPROFIT BUSINESS
Joe Rauch

A New York City-based nonprofit that gives computers to students and their families is expanding to Atlanta.

Founded in 1999, Computers for Youth aims to cross the so-called digital divide that separates lower-income families from the swirl of new technologies around them.

The nonprofit provides computers, and training, to sixth-grade students ad their families who qualify for the federal free lunch program.

Computers for Youth gathers its computers from corporate and individual donors, and has an agreement to purchase refurbished computers from a third-party vendor.

Atlanta is the first expansion by the nonprofit outside the Northeast. It’s currently in New York City and Philadelphia.

Co-founder Elisabeth Stock said Atlanta met the demographic and philanthropic needs for the nonprofit’s first major expansion. It is also examining moves to Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Dallas and Houston.

Computers for Youth is already working locally, distributing 250 computers to sixth-graders, and their families, at L.J. Price Middle School in three training sessions on May 5, 12 and 14.

By 2010, Computers for Youth wants to serve 10,000 families with five local offices nationwide, with affiliate members in all 50 states.

But there’s still work to do in Atlanta.

Over the next few months, Computers for Youth will hire a local executive director and staff, and begin local fundraising and donation programs.

“People want to give their computer to group that they know will distribute it locally, “ she said. “That’s why local donor campaigns and support are key.”

Computers for Youth will be funded, at least initially, by $750,000 from the New York City chapter’s national capital campaign. By the third and fourth years, the program should be funded and supplied almost exclusively by local funds and computers.

Stock said in other markets, it has relied heavily on corporate computer donations and private foundations.