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Student Computer Grants
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Article on Student Computer Grants
For those who cannot afford to buy a computer, there are ways to purchase one with an education grant, which is not strictly a student computer grant, if the grant rules allow the student to purchase school supplies. There are big student discounts available from most computer and software manufacturers, to make that grant money go even farther. If the grant only covers school tuition, or partial tuition, computer grants may be accessed indirectly - by inquiring about the availability of funds or a free computer from a local government program, school or community / charitable organization.
Local Government
Some local government agencies have old or refurbished computers to give away, and students may or may not have to meet any specific criteria to get one. Look for city, county or regional resources for your city online. For example, the city of Seattle has a ‘free stuff’ give away listing on their web site - and in the technology section, computers can be found. If a student is being home schooled, some states have programs to provide a computer to those in need. The definition of ‘in need’ varies with the program.
Federal Government Agencies
If the student has a disability, the local Vocational Rehabilitation Center may help them to purchase a computer or provide a used one received by donation, to aid them in preparing to enter, or returning to the work force. Computers as assistive technology for the disabled may also be available. If the student happens to be, or live with, a senior citizen, the Department of Aging can help by directing seniors to grantees or donors who may provide a home computer.
Schools Are a Possible Resource
The vast majority of grant money for student computers goes directly to schools and community organizations, and not to individuals. It’s then up to these schools and agencies to distribute as they see fit. The financial aid office at colleges or high school and grade school counselors will have information about any funds that may be available or even computers to give directly to needy students. If not, they may be able to refer the student to a local community service organization that can help. Technical or online-only schools will occasionally run an advertising promotion, providing a free laptop for every enrollee in a given period, as an incentive to choose to attend their school.
Other Ideas to Try
Online research will yield some additional charitable or local community groups that do computer “give-aways” or grants to check out. Look for local ‘computer recyclers’ as well – they often refurbish donated or discarded computers and may give them to students or people in need. Most of these do not advertise themselves as giving away computers but it is often mentioned on their web sites somewhere. Beware those who do advertise, as these are generally scams. Hopefully someday soon there will be an organized national program for student computer grants. Until then, all this takes a bit of digging, but the effort could net a free computer for a deserving student.
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