I started Computers for Communities (CFC) in 2001 when I was 9 years old. First I acquired computers that were being discarded from a local school. Then I refurbished and distributed them to individuals in my community that could not afford to have a computer at home. What a great feeling to see the smiles on those kids' faces. I felt like I was Santa Claus! Since then, I have created a non-profit organization that helps other groups do the same thing: locate discarded computers, refurbish them, and distribute them to those in need. To date, we have distributed over 1,000 computers! Computers for Communities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Our goal is to help groups of people in all states start their own local CFC - to take computers from their community, refurbish them and redistribute them to the needy in their own community. Our current endeavors include: * Providing technology training to students, senior citizens and the economically disadvantaged. * I am working with a maximum security prison - the prisoners there learn IT skills in a computer shop, while they refurbish computers for us to distribute to Hartford school children. They gain an employable skill, and feel a sense of hope for their future. They have also told me that they get satisfaction that they are helping others, and are being relevant to society. * Provide training and distribute low-cost computers for the new Hartford Wireless Initiative. The city is creating free wireless Internet access available to its residents. We are helping residents get computers they can afford, and teach them how to use them. * We recently got a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create an after-school and summer program for inner-city kids to get them interested in IT. The 3-year program will not only teach kids different IT skills (including computer architecture), but the students will set up a community outreach center in which they will provide IT services and low-cost computers to Hartford residents. Check us out at www.computers4communities.org