Technology Access

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you can receive:

Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals

Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands

A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.

The FCC has announced that consumers can begin applying for and enrolling in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program on May 12, 2021. The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner.

EveryoneOn is a nonprofit dedicated to creating social and economic opportunity by connecting low-income families to affordable internet service and computers, and delivering digital skills trainings.

You can utilize search feature to find low cost internet services and/or computer resources in your area: https://www.everyoneon.org/find-offers

Human-I-T connects low-income individuals to technology (desktops, laptops, etc.) and internet. By reusing instead of recycling electronics, our team transforms e-waste into opportunities to promote digital inclusion and digital access. Click the link to view the products they currently have in stock.

This program offers student discount laptops to students, including college students. They also offer a free 4-year warranty with purchases as well. They ship laptops and devices to pretty much anywhere in the US. (please read that section as you will have to sign for it upon arrival).

Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC) accepts donations of recently retired computers from businesses and individuals. Computers are then provided back to the community on a cost-recovery basis.

Fees:

Laptops costs start around $100

Desktop computer costs start at $68

In order to access a computer, you have to apply. If you'd like further information about the application process, click here to learn more.

Computers 2 Kids (C2K) believes all children and their families in San Diego, regardless of their economic status, need to be computer literate and have equal access to technology and the crucial educational, occupational, and financial resources that technology can provide to improve their educational options and their futures. Our Technology Assistance Program recycles and refurbishes used computers and delivers them to families in need.

Our systems come with a one-year free warranty. After the first year, C2K provides lifetime technical support to our recipient families for only $20 a service call. If we cannot fix the system, we replace the system with a newer model, ensuring the family stays connected for years to come.

Fees:

$80 for desktops

$100 for Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga 11e (11' touchscreen)

Accepts cash, credit & debit cards

If you'd like further information about the application process, click here to learn more.

The On It Foundation’s – (Opportunities Necessary to Increase Technology) mission is dedicated to providing free computers along with computer training and Internet access to low-income families with students in grades K-12 receive a free or reduced school lunch and reside within the United States. Click the link to learn more about how to apply.