Of the community and for the community, Kramden Institute oversees a process of mobilizing resources, identifying need and delivering value to our community.  In a nutshell, we organize volunteers to COLLECT, REFURBISH, and DONATE used computer systems to kids who need them.

1.  COLLECT

Saved from landfills, used computers are donated by businesses and individuals.  In addition to computers, Kramden collects hard drives and other parts to make the refurbishing process run smoothly.  Every possible piece and part is used directly or is sold to support Kramden.  Any scrap material is recycled.  To learn more about donating to Kramden, click here.

2.  REFURBISH

Kramden volunteers fix, clean, update and otherwise make the donated computers donated suitable for use again.  We install a collection of computer programs to make the computers useful to the kids to receive them.  As a member of the Microsoft Approved Refurbishers (MAR) program, we are able to put new operating systems on each computer along with useful software.  Refurbishing efforts take place daily at Kramden HQ, but in particular on Wednesday Work Nights and during our famous Geek-A-ThonsTM when we can produce approximately 250 computers during a 2 day event.  To learn more about volunteering with Kramden, click here.

3.  DONATE

Kramden's refurbished systems are donated to deserving students identified by school officials and community advocates.  Students are invited to an Award Day, where we celebrate their accomplishments and volunteers award them with their new computer.  Occasionally other community needs are identified and computer systems are donated to schools or education centers for central use.  To learn more about our recipients, click here.

4. CLOSE THE LOOP

The final step of our process is to follow up with our recipients to provide ongoing technical support, measure the impact of the computer on their education, and encourage them to join the Kramden volunteer crew to impact other students in need.  Our operations currently support these efforts and we hope to grow our capacity to provide mentorship, instruction and support to Kramden Recipients.