Digital Equity Begins with Devices: Bridging the Divide with the California Green Technology Initiative
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by
jmartin
Digital Equity Begins with Devices: Bridging the Divide with the California Green Technology Initiative
At LA DEAL, we believe digital equity is not just about access to the internet—it’s about access to the full tools needed to thrive in today’s society. That begins with devices that empower people to do real, life-changing tasks: apply for jobs, enroll in school, complete government forms, start a small business, or help children with their homework. These critical actions are nearly impossible to do on a smartphone or tablet alone.
That’s why we are proud to uplift and support the California Green Technology Initiative, launched on June 2, 2025, by one of our key partners, the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), Valley Vision and the Get Connected! California Partnership (GCCP).
This initiative is a powerful, statewide solution to two urgent challenges: digital exclusion and e-waste.
Closing the Divide, Reducing Waste
Through a new partnership with Revivn, a public benefit corporation, CETF is encouraging businesses and organizations across California to donate their retired computers and IT equipment at no cost. These devices are then securely collected, refurbished by regional nonprofits, and distributed at little or no cost to low-income families and students.
By keeping more computing devices in California instead of shipping them overseas, the initiative not only advances digital equity, but also reduces environmental harm and creates local jobs in device refurbishment and tech support—a win-win for both equity and the green economy.
Why Devices Matter
If we want a California where everyone can participate in our digital society—whether to apply for benefits, search for work, complete schoolwork, or access telehealth services—we need to ensure every household has access to a reliable laptop or desktop computer.
Here’s what we know:
● More than one in five low-income households in California still lack a home computing device.
● Many families rely on smartphones as their primary device, which limits their ability to complete complex or time-intensive tasks.
● Community-based organizations across the state report that device access is one of the top three barriers to digital participation, alongside internet affordability and digital skills.
How You Can Help
If your company, government agency, or nonprofit organization has surplus IT equipment, this initiative offers a secure, socially impactful, and environmentally responsible way to donate.
It’s simple:
1. Reach out to CETF or Revivn to coordinate a pickup.
2. Let CETF’s nonprofit refurbishing partners handle the rest.
3. Know your retired devices are changing lives—right here in California.
Digital equity starts with the right tools. Thanks to initiatives like the California Green Technology Initiative, we’re getting closer to a California where every resident has the means to fully participate in digital life.
Let’s keep building a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable future—one device at a time.
To learn more or get involved, see the one pager or email: charlene.tatis@cetfund.org.
