Career and Technical Education: TechCycle

echCycle is a unique program that grew out of the desire of Dr. Anthony Mazzullo, former Superintendent of Stamford Public Schools, to place a computer in the home of every 4th grade student in the City of Stamford. A joint program between the Stamford School District and the Stamford Chamber of Commerce, its aim is to give students continuity between class lessons and homework.

Born under the leadership of Garry Feldman, President, U.S. Computer Connection, TechCycle has evolved into a consortium of businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions. Its goal is to solicit contributions of unneeded computers from area businesses and individuals, and recycle them to families of 3rd grade students and 4th grade students who are new to Stamford, who might not have the ability to purchase a family computer. Families are selected based upon need and the willingness to participate in parent/student training.

Recognizing the tech skills that exist in the students of Stamford’s schools and neighboring communities, JM Wright Technical High School, The Academy of Information Technology and Norwalk Community College have been providing the student labor to bring the computers up to TechCycle minimum standards and install all necessary educational and productivity software. Every desktop personal computer has a modem and is internet ready. Every year more than 170 students and their families benefit from this program.

This project pulls together all facets of the Stamford Community to try and accomplish three important goals:

• eliminate the digital divide which prevents the less affluent members of our community from becoming computer literate,
• provide students with another tool to help them improve literacy and math skills,
• provide technically inclined Stamford students with the opportunity to hone real world business skills in computer service, training and user support.

The TechCycle project would not exist without donations from caring, concerned businesses and individuals who take the time to call up and donate their used, but not abused, computer equipment to start the ´cycle´ working. Corporate benefits of TechCycle donations include:

• Streamlined disposal of used or obsolete computer technology;
• No charge to the company;
• Elimination of transfer costs;
• Reduced storage costs;
• Reduced administrative time and expenses;
• Records to support tax deductions;
• Enhanced corporate philanthropic efforts in the communities in which they conduct business and beyond.

Large local corporations, such as UBS, Pitney Bowes and many others, have been major donors to TechCycle along with many smaller firms and individuals.