Secretary
Sandra George
Board member
About us
Technology access is a right, not a privilege.
We connect surplus corporate laptops with secondary students who need them most—quietly, respectfully and through the schools that know them best.
Our story
Born from a simple observation.
This Is IT began after a clear and frustrating gap was recognised: secondary school students from disadvantaged backgrounds were falling behind because they did not have reliable access to a laptop at home.
At the same time, organisations were regularly replacing devices that remained functional. Connecting this surplus technology with students who needed it created a practical opportunity to support education while reducing unnecessary electronic waste.
The model is straightforward: businesses pledge their surplus laptops, devices are securely wiped and refurbished, and partner schools identify students privately so that equipment can be distributed with dignity.
Our purpose
Access with dignity
Technology supporting education
Why we exist
Mission & Vision
Our mission
Provide technology access to every disadvantaged student.
We collect surplus corporate laptops, refurbish them to a high standard and place them with secondary school students who lack reliable access to a device at home.
Our vision
Reduce digital inequality while reducing electronic waste.
We envision an Australia where students are not limited by their access to technology and where organisations routinely choose responsible reuse instead of unnecessary disposal.
Real stories
The impact, in their words.
Read what students and partner schools have shared about the difference reliable access to technology can make.
Kathy
Student
It's not often we meet the recipients of our Laptops,
but we met Karly at an event and her story was so inspiring we had to share it with you.
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Kathy
It's not often we meet the recipients of our Laptops, but we met Karly at an event and her story was so inspiring we had to share it with you.
It's not often we meet the recipients of our Laptops,
but we met Karly at an event and her story was so inspiring we had to share it with you.
S
Sarah Chen
Student
A testimonial about recieving a laptop from This Is IT
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S
Sarah Chen
A testimonial about recieving a laptop from This Is IT
A testimonial about recieving a laptop from This Is IT
A
Adam Smith
Mt Bulla College
Student
This is a testimonal
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A
Adam Smith
Mt Bulla College
This is a testimonal
This is a testimonal
Our impact
One donated laptop creates more than one positive outcome.
Reusing suitable technology supports students, extends the useful life of existing devices and reduces the volume of equipment entering the electronic waste stream.
Educational access
A reliable laptop helps students complete homework, access online resources and participate more fully in digital learning.
Responsible reuse
Extending the usable life of corporate devices helps reduce unnecessary disposal and makes better use of existing resources.
Dignified distribution
Partner schools manage student selection privately so that support is provided discreetly and without publicly identifying recipients.
The model
How it works, from pledge to student.
Companies pledge laptops
Businesses pledge suitable surplus laptops through a straightforward donation process.
Devices are securely prepared
Devices are securely wiped, assessed, cleaned and refurbished before being approved for redistribution.
Schools identify students privately
Partner schools confidentially identify students who lack reliable access to a device at home.
Students receive laptops discreetly
Laptops are distributed through schools so students receive support quietly and with dignity.
Supporting information
Learn more about working with us.
Explore information for organisations interested in donating technology and schools seeking support.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about donating laptops and how we support students.
What are the minimum specifications for donated laptops?
Donated laptops must have Windows 10, be capable of running Windows 10, or have Apple OS X 10.10 or later. They must have a processor of at least 1 GHz, at least 1 GB of RAM for a 32-bit system or 2 GB for a 64-bit system, and at least 16 GB of storage for a 32-bit system or 20 GB for a 64-bit system. Laptops must also support Wi-Fi, have a physical keyboard, and include all required charging cables and converters. A battery life of at least four hours and a screen size of at least 12 inches are recommended.
Can a student apply directly for a laptop?
No. Laptops are provided through our partner schools rather than through direct applications from students or families. If you need a laptop, please speak with your school’s wellbeing or IT team. The school will assess your needs privately and contact This Is IT where appropriate.
Do laptops need to be wiped before they are donated?
We recommend removing all data and software before donating your laptops. If your organisation is unable to do this, This Is IT can arrange to have the devices securely wiped. Please let us know when submitting your pledge if data wiping is required.
What happens after our organisation pledges laptops?
After you submit a pledge, we will contact you to confirm the laptop details and coordinate the handover. Suitable devices are recorded, cleaned and prepared for redistribution before being matched with schools based on current need.
Where do the donated laptops go?
Laptops are distributed to disadvantaged secondary school students through our network of partner schools. School wellbeing and IT teams identify recipients and manage the handover privately so students are not singled out.
What happens to laptops that cannot be reused?
Every laptop is assessed before distribution. Devices that are damaged, unsafe or no longer suitable for student use are sent to a recycling partner for responsible e-waste processing rather than being sent to landfill.
How can I help if I don’t have laptops to donate?
Volunteering is one of the most practical ways to help. You can assist with laptop cleaning and inspection, hardware testing, laptop collections and deliveries, events, administration, or writing and content; no experience needed.
You can also help us reach potential corporate donors by visiting our Media page, where you can email your workplace, recommend another company, share This Is IT on LinkedIn, or access our media kit. Every introduction can help connect more students with the technology they need.
Get in touch
Want to know more?
Contact the team to discuss corporate donations, school participation or further information about the program.
Contact us