From June 1 through August 21, graduating CMSD students redeemed their certificates at the Cleveland Mission Market, the PCs for People storefront where anyone in the local community can buy a low-cost computer or sign up for affordable internet.
A laptop is often not just a personal device
Ask a college student what a laptop is for and you may hear about essays, lecture notes, design tools. However, for a household, that answer gets a lot longer. In many of the homes these devices went to, the laptop is the first computer in the house.
It becomes the machine a parent uses for a job application, the one a younger sibling uses for homework, the one the family uses to renew benefits or join a telehealth visit. One laptop handed to one graduate becomes the household’s first real access point. That is why the team in Cleveland has started counting these distributions differently.
We didn’t just hand out 1,186 devices, we opened 1,186 digital doors for households.
The Mission Market magic
The joy of coming into our Mission Market to pick up their laptops goes beyond the celebratory graduation pictures and seeing our friendly faces. It’s an opportunity to learn what else we can do. A family learns that they can get internet service for a low monthly rate, or buy a second computer at a price that works, or bring in a broken machine instead of throwing it away. Our staff has seen the same pattern since 2022, and our mission reaches more people than it could if graduates and their families didn’t stop by.
Student Highlight: Jean Kiza
Some of our favorite stories start well before graduation day. Jean Kiza first walked into our Cleveland Mission Market almost a year ago and bought two devices from us. This summer he came back, certificate in hand, and walked out with a free laptop to celebrate finishing high school.
Jean is originally from Nigeria and graduated from Natividad Pagan International Newcomers Academy. This fall he heads to Cuyahoga Community College, and after that he plans to become an international businessman. Spend five minutes with him and you will believe it. He has the drive, the intelligence, and a smile that makes a room light up. Now, he doesn’t have to worry about the technology that will make the rest fall into place.
Congratulations, Jean. Tri-C is lucky to have you.
Who made it happen
This distribution ran on a long list of passionate people who deserve to get their flowers. Shanelle Simmons, Regional Impact Manager at PCs for People, organized the sourcing in collaboration with empowerCMSD to bring laptops into the hands of grads, but that’s not where it ends. We extend a special shoutout to Jennifer Santiago, Angela Sanchez, John Orefice, Tony Monaco, and our Cleveland Mission Market, technology and warehouse teams. We’d also like to thank Youth Opportunities Unlimited and summer interns Lashauna and Adonis for their valuable support.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who bolsters our mission to close the digital divide. We couldn’t do it without you.
To Our Cleveland Community
If you are local and you need a computer or home internet, you do not need a graduation certificate. Come see us. If you’re gearing up to graduate next year, don’t forget to stop by and claim your device. Our doors will be open.
Learn more about our Cleveland Mission Market.
Other ways to engage
Come visit us in-person at our Mission Markets, see our locations. Can’t stop by? Visit our online store to shop refurbished desktops, laptops, internet and accessories.
If you want to contribute to our mission of making digital equity a reality, donate here.
Part of an organization who wants to partner with PCs for People to make a positive impact? Reach out to us at partner@pcsforpeople.org and let’s make a difference together.
