Digital Access for All: Empowering Communities with give IT. get IT.
Access to digital tools and literacy is more essential than ever. At give IT. get IT., we are dedicated to empowering communities across New England. Through our collective efforts, we strive to bridge the digital divide, transform lives, and foster a more inclusive and connected society.
Opportunity Clicks
Starting in January of 2024, our program at give IT. get IT. has been awarded several impactful gifts and grants, paving the way for an exciting new chapter in our journey. One such initiative is Opportunity Clicks, made possible by a generous $100,000 award from Verizon to the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce. This initiative is a beacon of hope for countless low-income families, immigrants, and students, offering refurbished computers and vital training to help them thrive in today’s digital landscape.
This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and hard work of our team, partners, and community supporters. The Opportunity Clicks initiative is poised to make a significant impact on several local organizations and educational institutions, including:
These initiatives are further supported by additional sponsorship for select students at Southern Maine Community College. Our program was awarded one of five, $25,000 Community Partner Grants. Our team will utilize this funding to assist seniors, homeschoolers, non-traditional students, and other individuals in need of computers to support their career, educational, and wellness objectives while at SMCC.
Maine Connectivity Authority
Two contracts with the Maine Connectivity Authority have authorized funding up to $500,000 each to give IT. get IT. and the National Digital Equity Center. The MCA contracts focus on building organizational capacity to increase the number of donated devices, expand the refurbishment team, and enhance program efficiency in distributing devices to more people.
Chris Martin, our Operations Director at give IT. get IT., shared his excitement for the MCA award: “This support from Maine’s Connectivity Authority is a game changer for give IT. get IT. It will enable us to achieve in months what we’ve been working toward over the past 22 years. My team and I are excited to put these funds to work toward our capacity growth efforts so we can help even more Mainers achieve their employment, educational, and wellness goals. We are grateful for MCA’s leadership and partnership as we begin this exciting chapter to expand digital equity throughout Maine.”
Read more about the MCA award at: Maine Connectivity Authority Press Release
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KeyBank
KeyBank has generously provided a second consecutive $20,000 grant that will significantly impact the lives of Mainers by bridging the digital divide. With KeyBank’s support, we plan to distribute over 100 computers to families throughout Maine, enabling them to acquire new skills, obtain certifications, and pursue their education, career, and wellness goals. Read more about their community partnerships.
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Machias Savings Bank
Machias Savings Bank once again awarded give IT. get IT. $5k in sponsorships. Additionally, they decided to give $5k to AYCC and an Eastern Maine STEM program because both participate in give IT. get IT.’s Kids Building Computers for their community effort.
Melissa Denbow from Machias Savings Bank states: “Oh my goodness, I can’t say enough about give IT. get IT.! We have been longtime partners, not only donating our retired tech but also funding to support device ownership for low-income individuals. In the digital age, access to the internet for education, health, and social well-being is paramount. Our video from last year tells the whole story and explains why we continue to fund their programming. Our purpose is to help create thriving communities, and this type of partnership and programming is making that happen.”
Watch an Impact video from one of our Community Partners Machias Savings Bank.
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The impact of these combined efforts is profound. By providing essential technology and training, we are opening doors to education, employment, and a brighter future for those in need. These initiatives empower individuals to achieve their academic and career goals, ultimately strengthening the fabric of our Maine and regional community.
We are deeply humbled by the support from our partners and community. Together, we are making a lasting difference. Join us in celebrating the incredible impact of Opportunity Clicks and its associated programs on our community. Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey with us.
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Join the 300 New England business leaders who support this effort with their surplus corporate tech. Contact us and help us convert your business tech into tools and opportunities for people! Please email Allen Cornwall, our Technology Reuse and Recycling Advocate at [email protected] or call him at 207-615-2956.
