In a world where technology often defines success, one organization is working tirelessly to ensure access to digital tools isn't limited by a family's income. Since 2018, Laptops 4 Learning has been on a mission to close the digital divide—providing laptops to students and military veterans across the country.
Brenda Powell, co-director of Laptops 4 Learning, didn’t expect to be spending her retirement helping run a nonprofit. But when one of her students at a public high school found himself at risk of not graduating—simply because he didn’t have access to a laptop—her course changed. “He looked at me and he goes, ‘Ms. Powell, I don’t have a laptop.' That moment stayed with me.”
Powell, a former high school guidance counselor with a background in corporate training and sales, connected with Laptops 4 Learning founder Dwayne Baker. Baker not only provided a laptop for her student but continued helping more students Powell referred. When he heard she was retiring, he asked her to help lead the organization—and she said 'yes.'
(We invite you to listen to the conversation between Jalon Caldwell and Brenda Powell in the podcast below.)
Serving the Underserved
The organization focuses its efforts on Title I schools and military veterans, two communities that are often overlooked when it comes to equitable technology access.
“I come from a single-parent household with eight children,” Powell said. “I know what it’s like to not have basic necessities. In today’s technology-driven world, a laptop is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for success in school.”
That understanding fuels her passion for helping families with limited means. Even though Laptops 4 Learning sells high-quality laptops below market price, Powell said for many low-to moderate-income families, even a reduced price is out of reach.
“Financial hardship is the biggest barrier,” she explained. “We constantly apply for grants and solicit private donations so that we can reduce the cost by as much as 50% to 90%.”
Strategic Partnerships and Smart Sourcing
Rather than working through often slow-moving school systems, Laptops 4 Learning forms direct partnerships with community organizations that serve disadvantaged youth.
“Just yesterday, we partnered with Elevate Phoenix,” Powell shared. “They identified 50 students graduating high school who wouldn’t have access to laptops for college. We were able to provide devices to all of them—it was a beautiful ceremony.”
Ensuring quality is non-negotiable. Laptops 4 Learning does not accept used or donated laptops, opting instead to purchase them directly from Microsoft-certified refurbishers.
“We want to make sure the laptops are up to date and come with a one-year warranty,” Powell said. “We now work with four certified suppliers, which not only gives us competitive pricing but also safeguards quality.”
Real Stories, Real Impact
The emotional weight of the organization’s work isn’t lost on Powell. One story that still moves her involves a nursing student just three months from graduation when her laptop failed. Not only was she worried about her education, but she was also a mother of two—with no devices for her kids.
“We were able to provide her with a new laptop and also give laptops to her children. It was life-changing,” Powell said.
Such stories are far from rare. Powell says some of the most rewarding moments come from helping families with multiple children, many of whom have never owned a single device.
“To see the smiles on the faces of not only the children but the parents—that finally, they have the technology needed for success—is very heartwarming.”
The Vision Ahead
Though based in Arizona, Laptops 4 Learning’s reach is already national. The organization has shipped laptops to students in 42 states. Still, Powell hopes to establish physical presences in more cities, starting with Austin, Texas, where a board member is based.
“We want to duplicate what we’re doing here all across the country,” she said.
Powell emphasized the importance of closing the ‘homework gap’, where students without home devices fall behind despite access to school computers.
“Access at school is important, but it doesn’t bridge the gap,” she said. “Students need their own personal devices to succeed.”
Her advice to others who want to help?
“Connect with community organizations already serving those populations,” she urged. “Everyone knows someone who could use a hand—it’s just a matter of pointing them to the right resources.”
You can reach Laptops 4 Learning at https://www.laptops4learning.com
You can reach Elevate Phoenix at https://elevatephoenix.org/