by Amee Thompson, Outpost Staff
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Do you think your old computer is too good for the junk pile but too out-of-date for use? If so, consider taking it to Computer Corps, an organization that refurbishes old computers and donates them to worthy causes.
"We became aware of the techno-void that exists between people who have the technology and the people who don't," Judy Feaster, executive director and co-founder, said.
"We would like to close that gap by taking those old computers out of the closet and putting them back into the community."
Computer Corps, a non-profit organization in Carson City, is dedicated to refurbishing older computers and making them available at little or no cost to young people, youth groups, senior citizens and various non-profit organizations and community action groups.
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Printers waiting to be used. Photo by Amee Thompson |
Volunteers from the community fix the computers. They are rewarded with volunteer credits which can be used to acquire computers, software and training. They can also move up in rank.
"Every volunteer starts as a Corpsman," Feaster said. "Volunteers will be able to work their way through the ranks with the highest rank and honor being a General in Computer Corps."
Currently Computer Corps has about 25 volunteers but the number is increasing weekly. It is funded by TRW Research and Development and grants.
In the future, the Corps hopes to develop a training program that would train individuals in technical computer hardware skills.
The program would give youth an alternative to drugs and gangs by helping them develop skills in programming, systems administration or computer repair.
"We have a project developing with a modular building where half of it will be used as classrooms and the other portion will be the technical side where students can break down the computers and learn about them," Feaster said.
Computer Corps has been in operation since January and has refurbished hundreds of computers for dozens of groups.
"We have more access for the kids wanting to do reports and homework," Rachel Knecht, Nevada Hispanic Serivices director, said about the refurbished computers they recieved for the Corps.
But this is not something unique to Carson City. Partners in Education has a similar program in Sparks.
Posted 04/21/98
Nevada Outpost http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost