How to get free laptops for Students

Today, you can’t do anything without a home computer.

Whether you are applying for a job, trying to do your taxes, or even trying to contact local assistance programs; A computer is practically necessary.

While most of us are lucky enough to have a laptop or computer at home, many of us don’t.

And typically, the people who need it most can’t afford a computer. Fortunately, there are some programs available that provide free Laptops for low-income families.

If you don’t qualify for a free computer, there are even more programs that allow you to buy a computer at a very low cost. It’s hard enough worrying about making ends meet.

The added barrier of not being able to access applications and services due to the lack of a computer makes things almost impossible.

HOW TO GET A FREE GOVERNMENT LAPTOP

The truth is, you can’t just call the government and ask for a free computer, no matter what your circumstances are like.

Such a program simply does not exist. However, that doesn’t mean you are out of options!

There are some government-funded programs that provide low-cost computers or loaned computers to families and individuals in need.

Your best bet is to connect with the following programs in your local areas.

• Department of Social and Health Services This government department can help you connect with local programs and non-profit organizations that can help you get the assistance you need.
• Visit https // www.benefits.gov / to access many government benefits that you may qualify for.
• If you were impacted by one of the recent hurricanes or other national disasters in the United States, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov

While we wish there were government programs that could connect low-income families to technology, that infrastructure is simply not in place yet.

We know that everyone wants free stuff, and who doesn’t like to shop at Amazon?

This list of Amazon review sites will give you free products .

How good is that?

TIP # 1 ASK YOUR EMPLOYER OR SCHOOL

In today’s technology-based society, it is more important than ever to have connections with others through a computer.

That’s why many employers and schools jump on the bandwagon and issue free or discounted laptops to their employees and students.

Before looking for grants and other assistance for your laptop, I suggest you see what you might have available through your employer or school.

There may be resources waiting for you, but they may not be things that your job or school heavily advertises.

Several universities give away laptops or at least offer them at reduced costs so that all students can have access to them.

Or, you can talk to a counselor about your need. Sometimes colleges have special scholarships for needy students that could help you get a free laptop.

Your boss may also be willing to help out with a laptop if you need it for work purposes and can’t afford it yourself.

It never hurts to ask!

FREE COMPUTERS FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES

Now, we won’t leave you stranded if your school or work doesn’t pay for your laptop!

Good people and organizations have taken advantage and put together useful programs for you to view.

These programs are best for low-income individuals and families to get a free computer when they cannot afford one of their own.

COMPUTERS WITH CAUSES

provides free computers to individuals and organizations in need.

They have a strict application process, preferring that recipients are “truly needy” and that computers allow them to make a positive change in their lives and the lives of others.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE CORPS (CTAC)

The CTAC is a program dedicated to providing refurbished computers to people in need, including low-income families, but it also helps schools, libraries, and nonprofits get the technology they need.

The program works with donations of computers and laptops, which CTAC cleans and restores to give to someone else.

Individuals and families may qualify for a free computer if they currently receive some form of government assistance, such as Medicaid or Medicare, food stamps, or cash assistance.

If you don’t qualify for free assistance, you may still qualify for a low-priced computer, depending on your income.

Prices start at $ 100 for laptops and $ 68 for computers.

CRAIGSLIST

Craigslist may not seem like an obvious choice, but most people don’t realize that it has a free section for every city it serves.

It’s worth checking if you can find a free laptop or computer.

I’ve seen one here or there that someone just wants to get rid of because it was updated or moving.

Even if there is something wrong with it, you might find a tech-savvy friend to help you out and fix it.

ALL IN

EveryoneOn is a non-profit organization that provides free or low-cost internet services and computers to low-income families in 48 states and the District of Columbia.

ALLIANCE FOR THE RESTORATION AND REUSE OF TECHNOLOGY.

The link above will take you to a map of all non-profit restaurateurs and recyclers in the United States.

There are more than 80 locations listed, across the US, that provide computers and services to those in need.

For example, the Electronic Access Foundation provides fully functioning computers to communities in need.

FREE CYCLE

Freecycle is a network of people and companies who want to give away free things to people who might need them more.

The show operates worldwide, so you might find a working chapter near you.

You can use the website to browse the groups and see if someone is giving away a computer or laptop for free.

Members can also post search ads where you can explain what you need and wait for others to respond.

THE ON IT FOUNDATION

The On It Foundation (Opportunities Needed to Increase Technology) is a national non-profit organization that offers free computers, computer training, and internet to low-income families.

To qualify, families must have a student in grades K-12 in a public school, receiving free or reduced lunch, and living in the United States.

THE GLOBAL COMPUTER EXCHANGE

The World Computer Exchange is an amazing organization that has chapters all over the world.

Its mission is to provide computers to those in need.

However, they do have some stipulations on how computers should be used.

Make sure to check their website for all the details.

PC FOR PEOPLE

PCs for People started in 1998 and has grown every year since then.

To be eligible for one of the computers, a potential recipient must meet a few criteria in order to qualify.

A recipient must be below the 200% poverty level, have a family member with a disability, or work with a social worker.

INTERCONNECTION

Interconnection connects people in need with affordable laptops and desktops.

Even though they are in the Seattle area, you don’t have to live there to connect to their services.

Their online store carries low-priced laptops and desktops from brands like Apple, Dell, and Lenovo.

THE NATIONAL CRISTINA FOUNDATION

The National Cristina Foundation is dedicated to promoting the reuse of technology throughout the country.

More than 100 organizations are members of the foundation.

The NCF works with organizations to ensure that they are non-profit organizations that will pass the technology to people and groups in need.

The following resources are local resources, and are just examples of some of the many local programs available across the country.

SEATTLE COMMUNITY NETWORK

The SCN offers free and low-cost Internet-ready computers to people who need them.

Another resource recommended by the SNA is the Washington Access Fund, which provides access to low-cost computing resources for those in Washington state.

KOMPUTERS 4 R KIDS

Komputers 4 R Kids is a specific resource for those in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas.

They provide computers to those who need them, while also providing education to youth with their Student Repair Program.

If computers aren’t the only thing you need, the following organizations offer free services to low-income families and individuals.

• The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides nutritional assistance to women, infants, and children in need. They provide vouchers that can be exchanged for healthy foods at grocery stores.
• Freedom Pop is on a mission to provide free mobile phone and internet services to those in need. Visit their website to see what is available near you.
• Family Promise is an organization with national partners across the country. They provide services to low-income families, such as housing assistance, family tutoring, and financial counseling.

Looking for free stuff for low-income families? We have that covered, too.

• If you are a parent or expecting a child, you should check out our list of free baby items. You will find more than 25 places where you can get free stuff!
• If you are a student with a student email account, you can qualify for 6 months of Amazon Prime, free!
• Maybe you are looking for some free samples or coupons. BzzAgent is a free program that you can sign up for free samples in exchange for your honest feedback on social media.

MICROSOFT REGISTERED REFURBISHERS

Microsoft Registered Refurbishers is a program designed to help low-income families, charities, and other places in need obtain computers.

The program specifically provides refurbishers with Windows and Microsoft software for free to put on their refurbished laptops and computers.

If you know someone who restores PCs, you can point them in the direction of signing up for the program as a registered restorer for Microsoft.

They will then have the opportunity to help other people by getting free software for their computers!

You can also look in the directory on the site to find out who restores these computers, so you know where you can get one from.

SAM.GOV ASSISTANCE LISTINGS

This is a government support site that is still in its beta phase, so it may or may not stick around.

For now, it is here and is a helpful resource for finding federal grants, awards, and other assistance programs.

Click Search Support Listings and you can browse various support programs, search by name, or use filters to find what you need.

New federal programs and grants could appear at any time, so it’s a good place to bookmark and keep checking back every now and then to see if there’s anything that can help you.

SMART RIVERSIDE

The City of Riverside, CA is so dedicated to helping its low-income families that it is willing to provide a refurbished computer to low-income residents for free if they qualify financially.

Annual income for families can be $ 45,000 or less to receive a computer, and the family must also complete a free eight-hour computer training course before they receive it.

The course can be in English or Spanish.

Things like this are also not available in Riverside. You may have a similar program in your own city or one near you that can help you!

Your best bet is to check with your local welfare office and ask what resources may be available to help you and your family.

WITH CAUSES

With Causes is a non-profit organization designed to help various people in need, whether they have low income, a disability, or have faced some kind of emergency or hardship.

The charity supports various causes and helps people in any way possible, including delivering a new vehicle to people in need, admitting abused women and children, or providing computers to families in need.

If you cannot find a free computer by other means and cannot pay for it yourself, you can fill out the form on this website and explain your situation.

There is no guarantee that it can help, depending on the funds available, but it is worth a try.

HOW TO GET A FREE LAPTOP FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

THE OPEN EDUCATION DATABASE

The OEDb has a great list of online universities that offer laptops and iPads to their students.

While some of these are free, others are fee-based and the cost is included in your tuition.

Some of the universities mentioned in the list are Rochester College, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and Purdue University.

NOTEBOOKS FOR STUDENTS

This non-profit organization was created in 1998 by college students who recognized the need for free and low-cost laptops for their peers.

They have many resources, including free software for college students.

TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FUTURE

Although they have a strict and lengthy application process, Technology for the Future believes in our current and future generations.

There are no magic wands for you to wave when you need financial help, but there are some fairy godmother organizations that want to help you.

FREE LAPTOPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

People with disabilities may not have the opportunity to work, or they may be limited by the type of work they do.

Unfortunately, that means they often have low incomes that make it difficult for them to support themselves and their families.

A new computer might be out of the question, especially if these people require special assistive technology in order to operate.

Fortunately, there are several ways that people with disabilities can get their own laptop or computer, thanks to the following grants and programs designed to help.

CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY SYSTEM

I have heard of some libraries offering grants to people with disabilities and low incomes so they can buy a new laptop or computer.

If your local library has a website, you may be able to find information about the grants available there or you can call the main branch to inquire.

FIND CHARITIES THAT HELP PEOPLE WITH YOUR DISABILITY

Disability-specific charities can often help disabled people get what they need to function in society, including a new computer that can keep them connected to the outside world.

Visit Charities.org to browse available charities and find others that can help you in your situation.

DISABILITY.GOV

This site comes from the United States Department of Labor and offers valuable resources for anyone with a disability, including work, housing, or the technology necessary for a comfortable life.

Since available government resources may change each year, you may want to bookmark this site for future reference, even if nothing is available at this time.

Here’s a Technology section that might help you get what you need, including assistive technology to use a computer or technology you may need for a job.

GIVETECH

GiveTech is a charity that doesn’t necessarily give away computers for free.

Instead, it helps people with disabilities get the assistive technology they need to be able to operate computers.

People with missing or disabled limbs, for example, might be eligible to receive a talk-to-text program to help them communicate using a computer.

Eligible individuals must have a significant need for a computer (meaning their lives could be improved by the use of a computer), they must be financially eligible for assistance, and they must have a severe physical disability that impairs computer use .

You can fill out the form on the website to apply for yourself or someone else.

JIM MULLEN FOUNDATION

Jim Mullen was a Chicago police officer when he was shot and wounded in 1996, leaving him paralyzed from the next hit.

Mullen was originally a gifted technology known as Tracer by GiveTech, which gave him the ability to use the computer again like everyone else.

After the incident, Mullen created this database, which helps people with physical disabilities or disabilities get computers for free.

THE BEAUMONT FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

This organization focuses on improving the lives of the elderly, disadvantaged youth, disabled people, and anyone else in need by providing them with important services that they may not have access to.

A computer could be one of the charity gifts for eligible individuals.

One of the areas that the Beaumont Foundation of America focuses on is education, which ensures that people across the country have access to the resources necessary to advance live.

Children and youth may be eligible to receive a grant from the organization, which is awarded each year, and

THE ELECTRONIC / COMPUTER ADAPTATION PROGRAM (CAP)

CAP is a program that provides assistive technology to individuals so that they can be successful in almost any work setting, regardless of their disabilities.

Some of the assistive technologies the program can help you gain access to include

• Audio output devices
• Large computer monitors
• Screen magnifiers
• Educational software
• Assisted listening devices
• Headphones and microphones.
• Alternative pointing devices

The program can’t help you with all the technology, but it can help you find a specific type of computer that might help you, based on your disability and financial eligibility.

You can fill out an accommodation request form on the website.

DO YOU ALSO NEED FREE INTERNET ACCESS?

So, you ended up with a free computer or laptop (hopefully!), But now you’re worried about paying for the internet.

That can be a real problem, considering the internet tends to run at least $ 30 or more per month for something faster than the speed of the turtle.

Here are some helpful options for finding free or low-cost Internet services, both inside and outside the home, so your new computer doesn’t go to waste.

USE FREE WI-FI LOCALLY

There are probably several places you can visit within ten minutes of your home that offer free Wi-Fi for guests.

The library is one of my best personal picks. It’s quiet, comfortable, and being surrounded by books isn’t bad either.

My local library allows me to sit as long as I want and take advantage of their free Wi-Fi. It even has outlets so that I can charge my laptop.

Another option is a restaurant or fast food place.

Most McDonalds restaurants have free Wi-Fi and comfortable places to sit that are perfect for housing a laptop.

Do you need more ideas? Check out this post on how to get free internet services!

TAKE A LOOK AT FREEDOMPOP

FreedomPop is a service that offers free Internet to eligible members.

Your location must qualify, and you can see if you are in an eligible area by entering your zip code on the website.

FreedomPop will send you a free mobile hotspot to use on your Internet connection.

You’ll get 10GB of free internet for your first month and then 500MB of data for the next several months.

GET 10 FREE HOURS EVERY MONTH

Netzero and Juno are two services that offer ten free hours of internet each month when you sign up with them.

The connections are dial-up, so they won’t be as fast as high-speed connections, but they will still do the trick when you don’t have extra money on the internet each month.

SEARCH FOR MUNICIPAL WIRELESS NETWORKS

Some places have what is known as a municipal wireless network, where the city or town has free wireless Internet access available.

You can see if your area has something like this by checking here.

You may be restricted to using it for just a few hours a day, but it can be absolutely useful when you don’t have internet access at home and still need it occasionally for school or work.

Be sure to check out the organizations we feature on this list to see how you can get a free or low-cost laptop.

What local organizations have you worked with to get a free laptop?