When children at the Alfond Youth and Community Center in Waterville started assembling desktop computers, something remarkable happened. These young people, ages 8 to 12, weren’t just learning about technology, they were creating pathways to opportunity for families in their own community.
This is the build IT program, and it’s changing how Maine addresses educational opportunities and workforce readiness through technology access.
The statistics tell a sobering story. According to US Census data, over 60,000 Maine households lack high-speed internet access or a real personal computing device. These families face barriers to employment, education, healthcare access, and essential support services—all because they’re on the wrong side of the digital divide.
For more than two decades, give IT. get IT. has worked to bridge that gap. Since 2002, our Maine-based nonprofit has deployed over 20,000 computers to income-eligible families through the dedicated work of volunteers and professional staff who recover, refurbish, and redistribute technology to people in need.
But to reach our goal of helping an additional 20,000 families (on top of the current total of 20,000 families) to achieve digital inclusion by 2030, we needed a new approach. We needed partners. And we found them in an unexpected place: primary school classrooms.and community support organizations, including after-school programs.
What began as a pilot project with the Alfond Youth and Community Center has evolved into something powerful. Young participants in their STEM program have been enthusiastically assembling desktop computers using give IT. get IT. ‘s tested hardware and software tools. The computers they build go directly to families in their community at no cost.
The outcomes have been so compelling that we’re now developing program guidance and promotional materials to replicate this effort across Maine. Several generous funders have recognized the educational and community value of this work and stepped forward to help transform build IT from a local pilot to a statewide program.
The impact so far: More than 260 participants from Augusta to Eastport have engaged with build IT, delivering over 340 personal computers to individuals and families in need.
The program provides everything community partners need to succeed:
Standardized Computer Kits – Each kit includes tested hardware, clear assembly checklists, and student guidance documentation. We’ve upgraded our computers to ensure greater consistency, performance, and quality across all builds.
Minimal Financial Barrier – Our cost to build one complete, ready-to-use computer is $150. We’re working to offset this cost so community partners can provide these finished computers to students and families at no charge. Funding may be available through Maine’s Regional and Tribal Broadband Partners, in collaboration with Maine’s Connectivity Authority (MCA) and give IT. get IT.
Comprehensive Support – Both instructors and computer recipient families have free access to our technical helpdesk, ensuring strong learning outcomes and continued support beyond the classroom.
Educational Value – Students gain hands-on STEM experience, develop problem-solving skills, and see the direct impact of their work in their own communities.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to share several program updates:
Enhanced Program Management – Chris Martin, Co-Founder and Operations Director, is now the primary contact for build IT program management, while Steve Ropiak handles kit ordering.
Streamlined Operations – Kit orders require a minimum two-week lead time prior to pickup at our Waterville facility. Our standardized kits significantly reduce classroom interruptions that once occurred due to varying computer models and platforms.
Expanded Funding Support – Thanks to thoughtful and generous supporters, we have sponsorship resources available that can reduce—or in many regions, fully cover—kit costs for participating programs.
In our 24 years of working to increase technology access and literacy, I can say with confidence that build IT is one of the most engaging and impactful initiatives I’ve witnessed.
Here’s why:
It creates a multiplier effect. Each student who builds a computer doesn’t just learn technical skills—they become an ambassador for digital inclusion in their community.
It makes abstract concepts tangible. Young people see exactly how their STEM education translates into real-world problem-solving and community service.
It builds empathy and connection. Participants understand that behind every computer they build is a student working on homework, a parent searching for employment, or a senior connecting with family.
It’s sustainable and scalable. By partnering with existing educational and community organizations, we can reach more families faster than ever before.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re an educator, community organization leader, or supporter who believes in closing Maine’s digital divide, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in Touch:
We’re happy to discuss program availability, details, and funding options. If multiple people from your organization would benefit from the conversation, we can coordinate a virtual group meeting.
Together, we can ensure that every Maine family has the technology access and skills they need to achieve their employment, educational, wellness, and life goals.
Chris Martin is Co-Founder and Operations Director of give IT. get IT. , a Maine-based nonprofit dedicated to helping people reach their education and employment goals.
