Schools discard thousands of computers each year, as hardware moves off of service warranties or is no longer capable of running the latest proprietary software. At the same time, many schools are looking to increase STEM curricula. The availability of surplus equipment and FLOSS software provides a unique opportunity for schools to enhance their technology-based educational programs. Using discarded computers, kids can repair hardware, build a local-area network, install GNU/Linux, install LibreOffice, install GIMP, and even code a bit. The project teaches kids by doing.
Once their projects are completed, kids can take their computers home, for keeps. For under-served students, where homework is done online and projects are completed via the computer, these rebuilt machines ensure access to education, and provide a source of pride.