Salt Lake City, UT - Access to a good working computer or tablet can make everyday tasks like studying, job hunting and coordinating childcare easier. In an effort to improve digital equality, Mountain America Credit Union recently donated over 300 computer devices to programs administered by Salt Lake Community College and the non-profit Computers to Give. Throughout May and June, Mountain America’s IT department worked to clean and prepare over 100 iPads, 150 PCs and 70 laptops for these organizations. 

The donation to Salt Lake Community College will benefit two organizations, PACE and TRIO. Both initiatives are college opportunity programs with goals of seeing students through secondary school, college and on to a career. They provide low-income, first-generation and students with disabilities access to programming, mentorship and financial assistance. The donation of 72 iPads and 50 computers benefited participating students who either didn’t own their own devices or had outdated and failing technology. The support means students have more time to focus on their studies rather than juggling their busy schedules to borrow computers or seek library access.

Seventy-two iPads, 100 PCs, 22 monitors and 70 Microsoft Surface laptops were donated to Computers to Give. Michael Lantz, a retired computer salesman, runs the American Fork-based non-profit. Since 2016, he has rehabbed and given away over 400 computers. Lantz was especially pleased with Mountain America’s donation due to the large number and quality of the updated technology.  

All told, over 300 devices will improve digital access for those in need.