Donate used laptops to help bridge the digital divide
Right now, thousands of young Australians are missing out on learning opportunities simply because they don’t have access to their own device.
In fact, 44% of students on our Learning for Life program don't have a laptop or tablet that they can connect to the internet at home – including nearly one-third of high school students. Without a reliable device, students can struggle to complete homework, access online resources and develop the digital skills they need for today's world.
Together, we can change that. By donating used, surplus or end-of-lease devices to The Smith Family, you're supporting a national children's education charity with a long track record of delivering measurable, long-term impact for young Australians in need. You'll also be leading the way in sustainable technology practices.
Fill in the expression of interest form today.
Transforming donated laptops into brighter futures
Choosing to donate devices through The Smith Family means supporting a proven, trusted and impact-driven approach to addressing educational inequality.
We support almost 72,000 students across Australia through our flagship Learning for Life program, so we have a deep understanding of the educational barriers that students experiencing disadvantage face. The digital divide is one of the most pressing.
That's why we've set a strategic goal: for all Learning for Life students to be digitally included.
Every refurbished laptop donated helps us move closer to that goal. Students will be better equipped to keep up with their classmates, complete Year 12, and successfully transition to work or further study.
Laptops are opening doors for John's family
“I have five grandchildren that I am looking after. It has been very hard. I don’t know how I would have been able to set them up for school without The Smith Family!
"We got a couple of laptops last year for the big two. They use them constantly for study when they get home, and do all their homework on them. They are
full of confidence to start with, but to have the computer has boosted that even more.
"It feels good to know that even though we are struggling with some things,
they have everything they need to do well at school, including a laptop.
The things they can learn are amazing, it really opens up new doors for them all over the place!"
John, Learning for Life grandparent, Western Australia
The digital divide is the new frontier of disadvantage
“One of the new challenges that many families are grappling with today is being digitally included.
“Not having a digitally-connected laptop can mean that young people aren't able to make the most of their education. They're not able to bring their own device to school, they're not able to do their homework, and they're not able to build the digital skills that they need for future employment opportunities.
“This is one of the things that The Smith Family is stepping up to address because we know that young people need to be digitally included to set themselves up for a great future.”
Doug Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, The Smith Family
Secure and safe laptop donations
To help students access the technology they need for learning, we partner with WorkVentures, Australia’s leading IT social enterprise.
Every donated device is securely wiped using Blancco, globally-recognised and ISO-aligned data erasure software. Then it’s processed through a secure, compliant and high-quality procedure of testing and refurbishment to ensure it meets our standards. The device is now ready for a student and is supplied with:
- Windows and Microsoft Office Home and Student licences
- Links to Smith Family programs, device and internet handbooks, and eSafety resources
- A 12-month warranty and ongoing phone support for setup and troubleshooting
Together, we’re making device donations simple, safe and aligned with best practice ESG and sustainability standards.
Benefits of donating laptops
By donating devices, your organisation won’t only be helping to bridge the digital divide – you’ll also be showcasing your leadership in the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) space:
- Social impact: supporting young Australians experiencing disadvantage to make the most of their education.
- Environmental impact: reducing e-waste, extending device life and lowering carbon emissions associated with producing new hardware.
- Governance: highlighting the importance of selecting a secure, compliant and transparent process for managing corporate technology.
To support your reporting needs, we provide a customised Impact Certificate that your organisation can use in ESG disclosures, annual reports, sustainability statements and internal communications. This outlines the number of devices donated, the number of refurbished devices delivered to students, the estimated e-waste diverted from landfill, and the estimated carbon emissions avoided.