Wired 2 Achieve
From Student Link
Wired 2 Achive is a not-for-profit student initiative founded at Duke University in September of 2006. Partnering with Duke’s Office of Community Affairs, Duke Student Government, Duke's Engineering Student Government, and the Duke University Community Service Office, Wired 2 Achieve works with all of the benefits of a 501(c)(3) organization, and takes advantage of many of the resources made available thanks to the unique benefits of a major research university.
As of February 2008, Wired 2 Achieve works closely with Duke University Procurement Services to prepare Pentium 4 machines for donation through a special partnership. With the help of this fantastic group, Wired has been able to expand the reach of its operations.
The project stems from observations of a variety of local, state, and national efforts to take computers and give them to those in need.
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[edit] Where is Wired 2 Achieve?
Wired 2 Achieve is located at:
- 310 Alexander Ave.
- Durham, NC 27708
We recommend using the address above and google maps to obtain driving directions. You can schedule a time for computer pickup through the contact link on this page.
[edit] Available Computers
| Date Updated | # of PCs | Type of PCs | Operating System | COA-Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/24/2008 | ~15 | Pentium II & III | Win 2000 | NA (yet) | Ready to Go |
Just contact us at wired2achieve@duke.edu and if you represent a good cause (non-profit, church, someone in need) we'll set up a donation.
[edit] Computer Donations
[edit] Fall 2007
| Organization | Date Delivered | # of PCs | Operating System | COA-Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Kilombo | 8/26/07 | 10 | None | NA | They use Linux |
| Lowe's Grove via Mr. Maxson | 11/18/07 | 1 | Win 2000 | Finding Out | None |
[edit] Spring 2008
| Organization | Date Delivered | # of PCs | Operating System | COA-Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NC Wildlife Federation | 3/7/08 | 4 | Win XP | 51-601 - 604 | None |
| A Kids Hope | 3/7/08 | 1 | Win XP | 51-600 | Flat Panel |
| Durham Community Land Trustees | 3/14/08 | 2 | Win XP | 51-605 - 606 | None |
| Rogers-Herr via David Stein | 4/-/08 (expected) | 2 | Win XP | Not yet known | Flat Panels |
| Technology Showcase DPS - via Dottie Black | 4/-/08 (expected) | 2 | Win XP | Not yet known | Flat Panels |
| OE Enterprises | 3/28/08 | 8 | Win XP | 51-612 - 619 | None |
| Volunteer Center of Durham (flat panels) | 3/28/08 | 5 | Win XP | 51-607 - 611 | Flat Panels |
| Birchwood Learning Center | 4/5/08 (expected) | 1 | Win XP | Not yet known | None |
| Pilgrim Baptist Church of Durham | 4/-/08 (expected) | 4 | Win XP | Not yet known | None |
| Watts Street Baptist Church Youth Group | 4/-/08 (expected) | 3 | Win XP | Not yet known | Flat Panels |
| America Reads and Counts | 4/4/08 | 2 | Win XP | 51-620 - 621 | None |
| Easter Seals/Area Services and Programs | 4/-/08 (expected) | 1 | Win XP | Not yet known | None |
| Excelsior International Ministries | 4/-/08 (expected) | 10 | Win XP | Not yet known | Flat Panels |
| Shady Hill Baptist Church | 4/-/08 (expected) | 8 | Win XP | Not yet known | Flat Panels |
[edit] Philosophy
[edit] What we Know
- A computer is never useless. at least one made in the last 3-4 years. As the industry has become more uniform, and processor, ram, and hard drive sizes have increased exponentially, the basic needs and capacities of computers remain relatively unchanged. It is as possible to write a term paper and surf the internet on a computer with a 300 megahertz chip as it is to do the same thing on a machine 10 times faster.
- Computers are out there. People have them, and they want to get rid of them. Companies want the extra space but know they cannot simply “throw away” their old machines. There is no reason why initiatives like this one should not exist in every city in America.
- Computer initiatives have to be local initiatives. National non-profits cannot possibly serve communities at the local level with this sort of project. However, universities all over America serve as bastions of intellectual vigor and capability, and could form an excellent framework on which to hang a program such as this one.
[edit] History
The first project, partnering with four companies in Durham’s Research Triangle Park was highly successfully, resulting in the donation of dozens of computers, monitors, mice, and keyboards to the program. In the wake of this successful year, the National Program arose, after it became apparent that this recipe could be replicated over and over again at Universities across the country.
Wired 2 Achieve has remained a local initiative at Duke University and substantially expanded its operations. Now a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, Wired 2 Achieve refurbishes and donates dozens of computers each month. Drawing an ever increasing membership of undergraduates, the group continues to achieve special milestones, with expectations to cross the 300 mark in computers given by May 2008.
[edit] Contact
To contact Wired, just send an email to wire2achieve@duke.edu or email the project director JP Cafaro (jp.cafaro@duke.edu) or Andrew Tutt (tutt.andrew@gmail.com).
