Digital Technology Lending Program

Description of Program

The proposed Digital Technology Lending Program will support 100+ immigrants and refugees gain access to digital technology that will help support them in their employment search, career

advancement, mental health, and navigation of resources during these challenging times.

The project seeks to develop a technology lending program where vulnerable groups can borrow a laptop for the period of time they need to participate in the programs. We anticipate reaching 100+ people, as laptops that are returned will be redistributed for lending, through this program within a 60-day period at a time. The technology lending program will be embedded into our regular program supports.

Skills for Change purchased 30 laptops, software and warranties for this project in August 2021. Once the equipment had been appropriately set up and tagged, we began distributing laptops to Skills for Change clients across our programs through internal outreach and an as-needed basis. Over the program lifecycle, we have distributed laptops to 140 clients, who have used the equipment to access our programs and prepare themselves for employment.

Impact Stories of program clients

We were surprised at the uptake of the number of Seniors that were interested in this program. Given the impact of the pandemic on the Senior population, there was interest in learning more about technology to combat social isolation, and as such we had Senior clients who were appreciative of the opportunity to learn new skills with the program equipment.