Background

Computers for Learning (CFL) was created in 2000 to provide refurbished computers and Internet service to families throughout Texas.

The program places working, refurbished computers in the hands of qualifying students at participating Texas schools. Students who receive computers use them to complete assignments designed to teach specific computer-related skills and to perform classwork assignments. Students and their family members both benefit from the program.

The first computers were distributed in February 2001 to 23 ninth grade students from Johnston High School in Austin, Texas. Currently, about 285 computers are distributed each year.

Before receiving a computer, each student and his or her parent(s) attend a training session to learn about computer maintenance and online safety. After attending training, the students take home a computer specifically programmed for their use. Free repairs and technical support are also available until the student graduates from high school.

Project Benefits

Placing computers in the homes of qualifying students increases their level of computer knowledge by:

• developing computer proficiency,
• incorporating home computers into the students’ educational development and
• providing additional teaching tools for teachers.

Updated: September 19, 2007