IT Department donates computers to students, families in need

LA GRANDE, Oregon – The Information Technology department at Eastern Oregon University is helping to place computers with people: people who may have never had a computer in their homes before. 

 

Working with the nonprofit Northeast Oregon Housing Authority, the IT department has donated 12 of the best working surplus computers to be given to EOU distance education students. The computers will be made available to registered students, or those who intend to register at EOU who are involved with the Housing Authority’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

 

“We’re giving students a leg-up and keeping them connected to EOU,” said Steve Clements, equipment systems specialist in the IT department.

 

The IT department has donated surplus computers in the past to the Kristina Foundation and the La Grande School District. This is the second time they have made a donation to the Northeast Oregon Housing. All 12 computers are fully equipped with Microsoft Windows ’98 operating systems and all the necessary accessories are included.

 

"The IT department at EOU is pleased to assist the Northeast Oregon Housing Authority in placing technology into the hands of deserving citizens,” said Paul Rowan, IT director.

 

“These refurbished personal computers will allow EOU distance education students and others who are homebound the ability to better their lives through all that technology can provide," he said.

 

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program supports and promotes the completion of a college degree. Program coordinator Donna Brownlee knows that owning a computer is a must for every distance education student to succeed.

 

“Many of the people in our program are low-income and when they make the decision to go to school, buying a computer is a major expense. Once enrolled they become largely dependent on financial aid and if we can give them a computer it helps save them some money,” Brownlee said.

 

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program serves Union, Wallowa, Baker and Grant counties. All 12 computers have been slated for homes and there is also a waiting list, Brownlee said.

 

Priority for placement of the computers is given to students first, but Brownlee said they consider others who are housebound or elderly and wish to communicate with their families via e-mail. Families with school-age children are also eligible.

 

“We might give one computer to a family of five, but all five will benefit from that one computer,” Brownlee said. 

 

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