Jonah JacobsThere are resources that provide those computers for free. We’ll show you where to look so you can snag yours soon.
Have you gone laptop shopping recently, only to stop looking completely? If so, you may have been put off by the price, as even a low-end laptop can set you back a few hundred bucks. Combine that cost with a low income, and it’s no wonder why so many households lack the technology they need to advance their college education or help their kids learn.
Are there ways to get a laptop on the cheap? Sure. But for this article, we’ll show you how to go even lower in price, as these resources offer laptops for free.
Where to Get Free Laptops
Alliance for Technology Refurbishing & Reuse
The AFTRR lists this as their vision: “Digital equity for all.” How do they achieve it? By working with local organizations to ensure those in need get access to free computers.
Depending on where you’re located, AFTRR may be able to give you a free laptop. This all hinges on the organizations near you, which you can find by hitting the link above and using the locator map. It will show you local organizations that work with AFTRR so you can contact them and see if you qualify for a free laptop.
The On It Foundation
Do you have a child in your household who is in grades K-12? If so, the On It Foundation can give you a free laptop if that child attends public school and also qualifies for the free or reduced school lunch program.
Computers With Causes
Here’s an organization that offers free laptops not only to underprivileged kids so they can study, but also to returning military members and low-income households.
To get a free laptop from Computers With Causes, you will need to apply and show that you have financial need. If eligible, you will have to take one more step to ensure your finances aren’t negatively impacted, and that’s contacting any government assistance program you’re on.
Why? Because some programs will end benefits if you receive compensation, such as a free laptop. In other words, you don’t want to receive one free reward if you’re going to lose another.
With Causes
While it may have a similar name, With Causes is not the same as Computers With Causes. To qualify here, you will have to show that you’re a veteran or current military member, come from a low-income household, or live in a shelter for battered women.
Online Schools
You can get a free laptop for your child or your college studies by attending an online school.
Some children can study at home, and certain schools will offer free laptops to do so. Meanwhile, some online colleges offer free laptops with enrollment, such as the ones in this database.
The Local Library
This option won’t give you a free laptop to take home. But if you need a computer to use at no cost and want free Internet access, the library is tough to beat.
