(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Lt. Governor Jon Husted along with Matt Damschroder, Director of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, and Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Development Services Agency, announced that the State of Ohio is donating a surplus of 148 computers to PCs for People to help more Ohioans afford and obtain an internet-enabled device that is suitable for working and learning.
The donation is another BroadbandOhio project that builds upon the administration’s efforts to expand and enhance broadband connectivity for businesses and families in Ohio.
“Internet access is critical. It enables individuals to search for a job, complete schoolwork, access health care and more, all remotely,” Lt. Governor Husted said. “Just as important is the availability of internet-enabled devices, and businesses across Ohio can help give access to those who need it simply by donating their surplus devices.”
Joined today by PCs for People Cleveland Executive Director Bryan Mauk, the Lt. Governor, Director Damschroder and Director Mihalik toured the DAS Surplus Warehouse where these devices and others are prepped to be donated.
“DAS typically sells surplus State property to other government entities or the public through auctions,” said DAS Director Matt Damschroder. “We’re very pleased to instead make this donation to help Ohioans who, now more than ever, need access to the technology that links us all to critical resources like employment, healthcare, and education opportunities.”
The devices donated today will be repurposed and distributed to eligible, low-income families across Ohio who are in need of an affordable internet-enabled device.
“Our broadband strategy includes digital literacy, and part of that is access to internet-enabled computers,” Director Mihalik said. “We’re excited to partner with DAS and PCs for People to help nearly 150 Ohio households have the technology they need to learn and work from home.”
PCs for People is a national non-profit organization, with a local Cleveland chapter, that wipes all data, refurbishes, and then distributes digital devices to low-income households. For more information on PCs for People, visit PCsforPeople.org/Ohio.