PCS FOR PEOPLE
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Access to a computer and reliable internet has grown to be an essential need; required for work, education, healthcare, and more. According to Pew Research, about four-in-ten adults with lower incomes do not have home broadband services (43%) or a desktop or laptop computer (41%), limiting their ability to access vital resources and opportunities. This digital divide does not only impact adults. According to Pew Research, in 2015, 35% of lower-income households with school-age children did not have a broadband internet connection at home. This disparity, known as the “homework gap,” is a significant barrier for children and families across the country. Last but not least, the United States has become the largest producer of electronic waste in the world. When devices end up in landfills instead of in communities where they are needed, everyone loses.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Personal Computers
PCs for People’s founding mission is to provide computers to families with low income across the country. Each desktop system includes a computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Each computer comes loaded with a new copy of Windows 10 Professional, Open Office, anti-virus software, and anti-spyware software. Every computer is covered by a one-year warranty and supported through our national customer service center.
Low-Cost Internet
PCs for People offers affordable high-speed internet solutions to eligible customers across the U.S. Service is just $15 per month with no contracts, hidden fees, or credit checks. PCs for People participates in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), resulting in free internet service for eligible customers.
Digital Skills
PCs for People understands that simply owning a computer and having access to the internet is enough to bridge the digital divide. Through programs such as digital skills training workshops, Digital Navigators, and KidsTek (Denver-based curriculum for high-school students), PCs for People empowers people with the digital tools and skills they need for success.
Where we work
External reviews
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Average number of service recipients per month
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Low-income people
Related Program
Personal Computers
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Average number of computers distributed per month
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Access to a computer and reliable internet has grown to be an essential need; required for work, education, healthcare, and more. According to Pew Research, about four-in-ten adults with lower incomes do not have home broadband services (43%) or a desktop or laptop computer (41%), limiting their ability to access vital resources and opportunities.
This digital divide does not only impact adults. According to Pew Research, in 2015, 35% of lower-income households with school-age children did not have a broadband internet connection at home. This disparity, known as the “homework gap,” is a significant barrier for children and families across the country.
Last but not least, the United States has become the largest producer of electronic waste in the world. When devices end up in landfills instead of in communities where they are needed, everyone loses.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Founded in 1998, PCs for People is a national leader in digital inclusion. Through a self-sustainable social enterprise model, PCs for People sources retired computers from businesses and individuals, refurbishes them to high quality for distribution to low-income households and nonprofits, and in the process, keeps millions of pounds of e-waste out of landfills.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
PCs for People’s computer access programs achieve impact through a four-step sustainable, scalable social enterprise model: source, refurbish, distribute, support. With over 2,000 IT asset disposition (ITAD) clients nationwide who utilize their NAID-AAA certified e-waste recycling services, nine retail locations (and growing!), and an online store and internet solutions available for all fifty states, PCs for People is uniquely positioned to support and serve underserved communities, businesses, and the environment.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Since 1998, PCs for People has served over 520,000 individuals, providing 190,000 home computers, connecting 77,000 households to the internet, and responsibly recycling over 9 million pounds of electronic waste through the secure e-waste recycling service.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
PCS FOR PEOPLE
Board of directorsas of 05/16/2022
Andrew Elofson
Blue Earth County
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
Transgender Identity
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data