When the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) updated 20 of its computers, SVHEC IT Manager Nelson Stevens looked for a way to give the old computers a new life within the community.

Commonwealth of Virginia policy allowed the surplus computers to be donated to a Virginia 501(c)3 charitable organization who provides services to individuals with disabilities, at-risk youths, or low-income families. Tri County Community Action Agency met the criteria, and the donation came at an ideal time for their Head Start program.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for us to place these computers in the community to benefit youth education,” Stevens said.  The 20 surplus computers are loaded with Windows 7 and have had all past information removed. Though the computers were too dated for the SVHEC’s robust programs, they were well suited for Tri County Community Action Agency’s needs.

William J. Coleman, President and CEO of Tri-County Community Action Agency, said, “We’ll be putting the computers into the Head Start classrooms so students will have an opportunity to be introduced to technology training. We’d recently purchased some interactive storytelling programs, and will be able to load those programs onto these computers and place several in each classroom. We’re very grateful.”

The Southern Virginia Higher Education Center provides educational access and workforce training, and is focused on re-tooling Southern Virginia’s workforce for jobs in the new economy.  For more information visit www.svhec.org or email info@svhec.org.