Per Scholas Opens a Retail Location Bringing Low-Cost Technology to Local Area

Here is positive news about a non-profit with locations and programs in the Bronx dedicated to helping youth gain access to technology. The organization is opening a retail store at 804 E. 138th Street. I often hear good things about the organization and am happy they are able to expand, especially in today’s difficult economy. It’s important to make sure Bronx youth are not left behind due to a lack of funds to purchase technology. Technology has and will always be a major contributing factor to success on multiple levels.

If you are an individual, small business owner or corporate executive looking to contribute outdated computers or someone who knows a child that can benefit from the organization, please do forward this post. A few of the corporations who presently contribute outdated computers to the organization include, Con Edison, Fox Cable News, MasterCard Worldwide, Metro-North and Estee Lauder. Much kudos to all of them and everyone not mentioned. I wish Per-Scholas much success in their expansion.

Gregory
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Per Scholas Opens a Retail Location Bringing Low-Cost Technology to Local Area

NEW YORK, Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today Per Scholas opened a retail store at its flagship Bronx facility making affordable electronics a reality for Bronx residents and families throughout the five boroughs. This convenient retail location will serve the community by offering a variety of low-cost, environmentally-friendly laptops while meeting the IT needs of underserved communities through its comprehensive tech support services.

The computers from Per Scholas are low-cost machines that create opportunities to learn and succeed in school and in life by means of technology. Additionally, Per Scholas offers technology support services at below market-prices, including virus protection and removal, repairs and system diagnostics.

"We are thrilled to open this retail location that is centrally located in the Bronx. Purchasing a Per Scholas laptop is not only an affordable option, but also an environmentally responsible purchase," said Damien Howard, Vice President of Business Development at Per Scholas.
Mr. Plinio Ayala, CEO & President of Per Scholas, added, "We are confident that our affordable laptops will help our underserved communities touch the lives of their families with the gift of technology."

Per Scholas is opening this store with the support of city Council Member James Vacca and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. BOEDC has long been a supporter of Per Scholas, having connected 28 low income families to the tool of technology and 60 low income individuals on digital literacy skills at PS 55, located in the Empowerment Zone.

Per Scholas receives these end-of-life machines from companies wanting to help share the power of technology to improve the lives of those who need it. The donated technology is then reconditioned in an environmentally compliant manner by trained personnel and subsequently redistributed through different Per Scholas programs.

Per Scholas has recycled hundreds of thousands pieces of equipment since 1995, helping to improve the lives of local Bronx residents by making technology available and keeping retired IT equipment out of landfills and developing countries. In addition to the retail store, Per Scholas donates the technology to the children and elderly who need it most. The Per Scholas Training Institute provides community residents with an intensive, 18-week, hands-on computer and office-equipment training program that helps prepare them for high-skilled technical jobs at no charge to the participant.

The Per Scholas retail store is located at 804 E. 138th St in the Bronx and is open on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. For those who are not able to visit the retail location, Per Scholas frequently holds community outreach events to meet the technology needs of the larger area. Please visit http://www.perscholas.org/ and for more information.

About Per Scholas
Per Scholas is a non-profit social venture dedicated to using technology to improve the lives of people in low-income communities. Founded in 1995, Per Scholas provides environmentally responsible recycling for computer equipment, redistribution of the devices to community members and a computer technician program. For more information visit PerScholas.org.