University of Pennsylvania's Program to Bridge the Digital Divide

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Netter Center for Community Partnerships

Computer Labs in West Philadelphia

|Interested in Donating|Apply for a Donation|Other Resources|

Want to donate your computer?

Thank you for considering a donation to our program. Donations such as yours have allowed us to refurbish over 600 computers and create over 30 computer labs.

Minimum Specifications for donated equipment:
PCs:
• Pentium III and greater processor
• 450 MHz processor speed and greater
Monitors:
• No larger than 17" please.
Printers:
• Ink Jet
• LaserJet
• No Dot Matrix, please!
Networking equipment:
• Ethernet cable
• Routers, hubs and switches
Miscellaneous equipment
• Power cords, keyboards, mice
• RAM, Hard Drives, CD ROMs
• Scanners, cameras, fax machines and so on

To donate hardware, please contact:digitald@pobox.upenn.edu

To dispose of older non-functioning equipment, please contact:

Elemental Inc.
2371 Church St.
Philadelphia, PA 19124
(215)289-1475

or visit the EPA's E-Cycling Page - http://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/eCycling.htm

How to Apply for a Donation

The Digital Divide Program is currently soliciting proposals for the community computer labs. Proposals are evaluated on a rolling basis. We expect to place approximately 15 computers labs annually. Computer labs usually range in size from 6 to 15 computers, and include computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, networking, and a printer. High priority is given to computer labs located in West and Southwest Philadelphia. Computers are not usually given to organizations that redistribute computers to either individuals or other organziations.

For consideration, please submit a proposal containing the following:

• A description of the target community and their needs
• A plan for use of the computer labs by:
  • Members of your organization
  • Community members outside your organization
  • Plans should include classes, instructors, advertising, and financing
• A plan for working with other neighborhood organizations (Communities of Faith, Non Profits, Schools, etc.)
• A description of the space for the computers
• A plan for providing internet access to your computer lab. Broadband (DSL/Cable) is highly recommended.
• An evaluation plan, including a 1 year summary report.

Please send proposals in the form of a letter, an email, or a fax to:

Penn's Program to Bridge the Digital Divide
digitald@pobox.upenn.edu

Netter Center for Community Partnerships
133 South 36th Street, Suite 519
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215)898-5351
Fax: (215)573-2799

Other Resources

If your group was not eligible to receive a donation from us or would like additional computers, here are some other resources for you to utilize.

Federal Government Computer Surplus - http://www.computers.fed.gov

Nonprofit Technology Resources
1524 Brandywine St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 564-6686

The Children's Project 2000 Inc.
1920 W. Marshal St.
Norristown, PA 19403
(610)539-8480