Chromebooks are the newest type of computer made to help you get things done easier and faster. They operate on ChromeOS, an operating system with cloud storage, multiple layers of security, and the best of Google’s built-in features. A Chromebook looks like an ordinary laptop in terms of design. It has a rechargeable battery, a screen, and a keyboard. The device is expensive, and most people find purchasing it challenging. You will learn how to get a free Chromebook for students shortly.
Students require computers to execute various tasks in school, such as typing documents, researching online, sending emails, learning basic computer skills, and entertainment. You may also use your computer to work online at various sites. You can do online jobs such as article writing, video editing, website testing, and online teaching. That way, you can earn a living out of your device.
Chromebooks are designed to assist you in getting things done securely, quickly, and efficiently. That makes them suitable for students. You can save yourself from manual work to gain instant access to files and favorite apps on your computer. The built-in virus protection and automatic software updates make Chromebooks some of the best machines. Additionally, no extra packages are required for your device’s ultimate security. Interestingly, the device uses the ChromeOS operating system made by Google.
Best ways to get free Chromebook for students
If you are a student unable to afford a Chromebook, there are various ways to get one for free. They include the following.
Get it through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Suppose your household qualifies for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). In that case, you may get a free Chromebook through the discount offered by the program. Usually, the Affordable Connectivity program gives eligible households a discount of at most $100 to purchase a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. You must pay between $10-$50 toward the purchase price. If you get the discount, you may get a refurbished Chromebook. Additionally, ACP offers free broadband to eligible persons.Â
You can qualify for ACP if your household income is 200% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You can show various documents during your application to prove that you qualify for ACP by income. These include the following.
- Prior year’s federal, state, or Tribal tax return
- Unemployment/Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
- Federal/Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
- Child support award, divorce decree, or any other official document with income information
- Latest income statement from your current employer or a paycheck stub
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
Additionally, you can qualify for ACP through various government assistance programs. They include the following.
- Federal Housing Assistance, including Housing Choice Voucher Program, Public Housing, Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/ Section 811, and Affordable Housing Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program
- School Breakfast Program: includes U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Eligibility WIC
- Programs for Alaska Natives, American Indians, or Native Hawaiians
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- Provision schools.
- Medicaid
- SNAP
To prove program participation, you can bring documents such as a Benefit award letter,
statement of benefits, benefits verification letter, or approval letter.
How to apply for ACP Program
Once you qualify, you can apply for the ACP program online by visiting the service provider of your choice. You will need to provide various details to pass approval. Also, you can apply for the program through the mail by sending your details to ACP Support Center P.O. Box 7081. London, KY 40742.
You can also apply through AffordableConnectivity.gov and provide details such as your Social security Number, Identification document, phone number, email address, and physical address. In whichever way you apply for the program, you must choose a service provider through whom you will get a free Chromebook.
Attend an online college.
You can get a free Chromebook if you attend an online college offering free computers to their students. Since you will be attending online classes, you must have a laptop with a webcam. Chromebooks have webcams and can serve well for online classes. Some of the online colleges offering laptops include the following.
- American National University
- Dakota State University
- Moravian University
- Wake Forest University
- The University of Minnesota Crookston
- Full Sail University
To get a free computer, you only need to enroll for a course in the given college and are good to go. Also, some colleges give discounts to purchase laptops once you join them.
Win a scholarship award or grant.
Various organizations and government agencies offer scholarship awards accompanied by laptops. If you want to further your education, apply for a scholarship from such programs to get a free laptop. You can get a Chromebook from such scholarships. Most scholarship offers require you to apply online using a secure internet connection.
Get one from a nongovernmental organization.
Various NGOs offer free laptops to needy students. You can check the various nongovernmental organizations offering free laptops if you want a free Chromebook. Most NGOs use the eligibility criteria used by the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can qualify through assistance programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits, Provision schools, Medicaid, and SNAP.
You may also qualify for a free Chromebook from an NGO if your household has a low income. Most nongovernmental organizations require you to apply for a free computer online. When applying, you may have to provide details such as phone number, physical address, and email address. Examples of NGOs offering free computers include the following.
- With Causes
- Compudopt
- Computers with Causes
- Computer Aid International
- World Computer Exchange
Get a Chromebook from your local community.
Usually, we have various community-based organizations that can give needy students free Chromebooks or other laptops. For example, your church may have a program that offers free Chromebooks to students joining colleges and universities. Some of these communities also sponsor students for their education.
Bottom line
Chromebooks are computers that allow you to do things easier and faster. The devices run on ChromeOS, an operating system with cloud storage, several layers of security, and the best of Google’s built-in features. Chromebooks are costly devices that may be expensive to purchase for most households. Students can get free Chromebooks from nongovernmental organizations, ACP, grants, scholarship awards, online colleges, or your community-based organization.Â