Thanks to the generosity of local and regional partners, Clatsop Community College is giving students in need a new tool for success: refurbished laptops. Recent donations of surplus devices from the Multnomah Athletic Club, Clatsop County, and the City of Seaside are fueling CCC’s growing Surplus Device Program, which refurbishes computers for student use while providing hands-on training for work-study students in computer services.
Since its launch in 2023, the Surplus Device Program has already placed 244 laptops directly into the hands of CCC students—at no cost to them. Each device is securely erased, tuned up, and equipped with essential programs like Microsoft Office, Zoom, and other class-specific software. Students also receive “no-questions-asked” support for up to two years after graduation, including the ability to exchange broken or outdated laptops for newer refurbished units.
“This program is a win-win for everyone,” said CCC Computer Services Director Tom Ank. “We’re helping students who may not be able to afford their own devices, giving our IT work-study students valuable real-world experience, and keeping electronic waste out of landfills.”
The program works by taking computers that no longer meet the strict requirements for use by state agencies and public institutions, but that still have years of useful life remaining. Rather than sending them overseas for scrap, CCC student workers refurbish the machines under the supervision of Computer Services staff, ensuring security and functionality. Even units that cannot be fully restored are broken down for usable parts, with any remainder responsibly recycled.
The impact of this program goes beyond the classroom. It supports student success, reduces financial barriers to education, and reflects CCC’s commitment to sustainability and community partnership.
“Thank you to Clatsop County, the City of Seaside, and the Multnomah Athletic Club for their generous donations, as well as CCC Board Member Jody Stahancyk for her continued support in this effort,” said CCC President Jarrod Hogue. “It’s a powerful example of how our greater community comes together to foster student success and expand opportunity.”
As the need for student devices continues to grow, CCC welcomes additional donations of surplus computers from businesses, organizations, and individuals. Potential donors can connect with the college’s Computer Services team to learn more about how their used equipment can be given a second life—and make a difference in a student’s education.
For more information or to discuss making a device donation, please contact Tom Ank in the Computer Services Office at Clatsop Community College at 503-338-2413.
