Technology can help us succeed and thrive, and it very well may save someone’s life. Knowing I have access to technology at TCC motivates me to stay in school because I know I will have a place to get my work done. PowerOn has made it possible for me and other LGBT youth to achieve greatness.
Emmett Burns, TCC, Norwalk, CT
What is the PowerOn Program?
Simply... We give your older technology (computers, cell phones, laptops, etc.) a second life that has a life changing impact.
We take your older, unwanted technology through the following steps:
-
Wipe any memory with NIST 800-88
-
Test to make sure it is operational
-
If it works, we refurbish it
-
If it doesn't work, we will prepare it to be responsibly recycled, meaning nothing ends up in a landfill.
We then distribute to LGBTQ centers and individuals who otherwise do not have access to technology that we take for granted everyday.
Why is the PowerOn Program so important?
OVER 650,000 HOMELESS LGBTQ YOUTH SLEPT ON AMERICA'S STREETS LAST NIGHT.
THAT IS EQUAL TO 40% OF ALL HOMELESS YOUTH ON AMERICA'S STREETS
MANY ENDING UP HOMELESS AFTER COMING OUT TO UNSUPPORTIVE FAMILIES.
As a result of being kicked out, LGBTQIA youth become literally and figuratively disconnected. This disconnection increases rates of suicide and makes finding access to safe housing, healthcare, and employment challenging.