Comp-U-Dopt provides refurbished computers donated by corporations and small businesses to children for their educational and personal use.  Computers are given to children who meet the screening requirements and who attend the two-hour computer Adoption and Technology Session. In these sessions the children learn how to use and care for their computers including connecting the monitor, computer, mouse and keyboard, and how to log in and get started. We also include an overview of the Edubuntu software. Word processing is explored and, depending on the amount of time available, the children are taught how to cut & paste, to use spell check and thesaurus, and to create and save files.  The children will have an opportunity to explore various educational games and, if the facility allows for it, they will learn how to connect to the Internet.

Community centers, schools and some offices in underserved neighborhoods serve as locations for Comp-U-Dopt’s computer Adoption Sessions. The school and community centers also help locate children that qualify for computer adoption.

Adoption Sessions are scheduled on Saturdays. To apply for a computer the parent and child must complete the application form and must also state that:

• the child does not have a computer in his/her home
• the child is in grades 3-8
• the parent will attend the two hour training session with their child

We encourage children to write a thoughtful essay explaining why they would like a computer, what it will mean in their lives, how not having a computer effects their studies. We also encourage siblings to attend the training session with the child who has applied for the computer.