Partners with Purpose: ActivateWork and PCs for People Colorado work together to create new IT talent pipeline.

Tues., Dec. 13, 2022

ActivateWork, prepares underrepresented learners for careers in IT, from Cybersecurity and Desktop Support to CompTIA A+ certification, but many of those learners do not have access to the technology required to take courses virtually. Enter PCs for People Colorado, a nonprofit that works to provide low-cost internet and quality refurbished computers to individuals and other nonprofits.

The relationship between the two organizations was formed in March of 2020 when the pandemic dictated that ActivateWork’s bootcamp training program be moved completely online. But some of their learners didn’t have the technology to access the virtual labs and Zoom classroom sessions. PCs for People not only provided computers for those learners, but they’ve also continued to help ActivateWork expand their reach; nearly half of all ActivateWork learners require a loaner PC to complete their programs.

Beyond the classroom, PCs for People has helped ActivateWork gift graduates with computers after they complete the rigorous bootcamps. This allows individuals to continue their online job searches and bridge the digital divide in their homes. And, beginning this month, PCs for People will be hosting ActivateWork learners one day a week to bring more hands-on experience during their Desktop Support course. Using computers donated by PCs for People, learners will be assessing computers, testing peripherals, loading operating systems and troubleshooting common issues they’ll face as IT support professionals.