News Media Excited About PC Pledge 100

One of the more endearing moments of a press conference held earlier this week at the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) in Washington, D.C., where Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski and partners from Connect2Compete (C2C), Redemtech and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) gathered to announce the launch of PC Pledge 100, a nationwide computer recycling and donation initiative, actually came after the press conference.

As the remarks by various dignitaries wound down, several young people who participate in LAYC’s multicultural efforts to support academic achievement excitedly rushed toward the podium to snap digital photographs of the government agency and business leaders. The pride and enthusiasm the young people exhibited on their faces was remarkable when they, in turn, were asked to pose for pictures with the dignitaries. Embedded in the moment was hope that the announcement would enable C2C partners to help close the digital divide.

News coverage of the press conference itself, of course, was of more interest to the news media, which covered the announcement with alacrity in numerous media outlets. Among the first news stories to appear was posted by PC World, which noted Redemtech’s PC Pledge 100 campaign to manage donations of used computers from corporations. Specifically, PC Pledge 100 invites corporations to commit to donations of at least 100 qualifying laptop computers or desktop computer systems that will be refurbished and upgraded with new software, and then made available to eligible low-income families along with technical assistance and a warranty. Redemtech is partnering with the nonprofit Connect2Compete program to facilitate PC Pledge 100.

According to the PC World article, the cost of a computer prohibits many low-income people from accessing the Internet, with about 36% of Americans citing cost as a major barrier to adoption.

Redemtech and C2C are asking for donations from U.S. corporations, which discard 17 million computers each year, according to a Gartner Research statistic provided by Redemtech’s Executive Vice President Jill Vaske. Redemtech will refurbish and upgrade PC Pledge 100 donated computers and provide them to qualifying families for $150 through Connect2Compete.

In coverage appearing in Waste Age, Redemtech was described as the exclusive provider of GoodPC  refurbished computers, which include Microsoft software, warranty, technical support and free shipping to all eligible families. Redemtech also provides free IT asset recovery and recycling at the end of the product’s life to ensure responsible disposal and minimize corporate donors’ exposure to environmental liability.

Vaske was interviewed for the Waste Age article, and was quoted as saying: “While a home computer is essential to full participation in today’s society, more than 60 million U.S. homes lack a PC. Through PC Pledge 100, the business community can help low-income families enjoy a better education, a brighter future and a world of possibilities.”

"Low-cost computers are in abundant supply," Vaske said in an interview with Waste Recycling News. "Forty million computers are retired and replaced every single year. Some are being prematurely recycled," she added.

In addition, the FCC/C2C/PC Pledge 100 announcement was featured by CIO Magazine, Computerworld, Daily Finance, Equities.com, the Illinois Technology Foundation website, IT World, Multichannel, PC Advisor, TechSpot, Telecompaper, The Verge, Virtual Strategy Magazine, Yahoo News, and Youth Today.

Companies interested in donating IT assets can visit Redemtech.com/PCPledge.