If you are a student looking for a computer, you are lucky to be here since you will learn how to get a free computer. However, you must originate from a low-income household to get a free computer. You can prove that you are from a humble background in various ways, as we shall see shortly. That makes getting free computers for students to use for their studies easy.
Someone might wonder why students need computers for their studies. You must understand that we are in a digital world where most things are digital, including education. A computer allows students to access numerous pieces of information online. You can access study materials from various websites and supplement your classwork. Additionally, you save notes in PDF or docx word format to read for revision during your free time. That saves you from walking around with heavy hard copies.
Apart from learning, computers are a source of entertainment. You can use them to watch movies saved in your internal storage or online. That way, you can refresh your mind for more incredible things. Computers also have games you can play from the comfort of your couch. Students, too, require entertainment, as their lives should not revolve around education only.
How to get free computers for students
You can get a free computer in three main ways. They include the following.
- Through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
- Via non-governmental organizations
- Attend an online college
The ACP Program is a federal government program that offers free broadband to the low- income households. You must be from a low-income household to qualify for the program. Apart from offering free internet, it gives discounts to purchase computers, tablets, and laptops through various participating service providers.
Additionally, you can get a free computer through various non-governmental organizations. The organizations also consider those from low-income households. We have plenty of them who allow you to apply online and receive your free computer at your physical address.
Qualifications to get free computers for students
You can qualify for a free computer through the Affordable Connectivity Program if your household income is 200% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You only need to prove your eligibility by providing a supporting document. Various documents you can bring to support your eligibility 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
Also, you can qualify for the program if you or a household member participates in government assistance programs such as;
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- WIC
- School Breakfast Program
- Provision schools.
- SNAP
- Federal Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
You must qualify via the above qualification processes if you get a free computer from a non-governmental organization. You must also show a document that proves your eligibility. If you get a free computer from an online college, you only need to enroll, and you are good to go. The concerned college will send you a laptop computer to your place through the mail system.
The application process to get free PC for students
You must apply for the ACP Program to get a free computer. Also, you can get a free computer if you apply from non-governmental organizations. To apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program, visit AffordableConnectivity.gov and provide the necessary application details. You need your Social Security Number, email address, physical address, identification document, and phone number.
Once you apply, you must wait for communication from USAC, the program managing body, to know how to get your benefits and free computer. Alternatively, you can apply for the ACP program by mail. You only need to download the ACP application form online and fill it out with the necessary details, then attach other documents and send them to ACP Support Center P.O. Box 7081. London, KY 40742.
You can also apply for ACP through your participating service provider. To start, visit the service provider’s website and locate the ACP application tab. After that, fill out all the details in the given form and submit it for review. In whichever application method you use, you will receive a message from the ACP managing body telling you what to do next.
When applying for a free computer through a non-governmental organization, you only need to visit the website of the organization you want to apply for a free computer. You then provide your details and wait for a response from the organization.
Organizations that offer free computers for students
Suppose you want a free computer through a non-governmental organization. In that case, you must wonder which organizations you can use to apply for one. Various non-governmental organizations offering free computers to students include the following.
- National Cristina Foundation
- The On It Foundation
- PCs for People
- Freecycle
- Everyone On
- Computers with Causes
- With Causes
How to get free computers for schools
As mentioned, students can get free computers through the Affordable Connectivity Program from a non-governmental organization or an online college. However, schools may also need computer donations to assist their students in attaining digital prosperity. The school can apply for free computers from some non-profit organizations in such a case. You will need to visit the websites of the concerned organization, then make your application.
Examples of NGOs that offer free computers to schools include;
- National Cristina Foundation
- Good 360
- AZStRUT (AZ)
- Computer Recycling Center (CA)
- Community Computer Connection (CO)
- Motor City Free Geek (MI)
- Minnesota Computers For Schools (MN)
- GE Elfun Computer Rehab (NY)
- Free Geek (OR)
- Rockford Computers for Schools (IL)
- Computer Recycling of Virginia, Inc (VA)
Additionally, schools can get free computers through The Computers for Learning program. The program encourages government agencies to transfer surplus computers and accessories to schools and non-profit educational agencies. The program promotes equal learning opportunities by better utilizing helpful technology assets. Once your school has been approved, you can select equipment via the ComputersforLearning.gov website. You will not get limitations on how much equipment you can get, although agencies usually distribute equipment equitably nationally.
How to get free computers for low-income students
Students from low-income backgrounds can get computers if their parents or themselves apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program. They can get a discount of up to $100 to purchase a computer. Also, students from low-income households can apply for free computers from non-governmental organizations. As mentioned earlier, many NGOs are willing to assist needy children in getting computers. Parents or guardians can assist their kids in applying for free computers.
Additionally, students can attend online schools to get free computers. You must first confirm if the online college you want to join for a free computer has a free computer program for online learning. With a government scholarship, you can also get a free computer. Most government scholarships usually include a free computer alongside other things.
Lastly, low-income students can get free computers from their financially stable relatives, such as uncles and aunts. You may also request members in your church or any other community to help you buy one.
Bottom line
A computer is a vital electronic that should be available in every home. Since the machine is expensive, most students need help to purchase them. However, there are ways you can get a free computer from various sources. These include the Affordable Connectivity Program, non-governmental organizations, and online colleges. In most cases, you must be from a low-income household to get a free computer.