The Missouri Computer Exchange/North Callaway High School Digital Outreach Program began in 2003. The program receives donated computers from businesses and individuals, rebuilds them, and provides working machines to students and non-profit organizations.

The program began in the corner of a math classroom. There were no books, tools, software, or resources - just a dozen intrepid students repairing donated computers on borrowed tables. The original mission of the program was to provide tech support for a cash-strapped school district.

The program quickly outgrew its limitations and even its mission. It now boasts two full class sections, led by second year student mentors, a summer school course, and most recently an afterschool program. Over one hundred students have successfully completed the course; fully twenty percent of them had never seen the inside of a computer before.

The program earned the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher designation, the first high school in the state with that distinction. This designation allows students to install a Windows operating system on donated computers and give them away to other students and non-profit agencies. Over sixty North Callaway students have applied for and received computers through this program.

The program also helps students in other communities even around the world. Computers have been refurbished and donated to afterschool programs in Memphis, MO and Columbia, MO and to orphanages in Uganda and well as elementary schools in the Franklin County, MO school district. The program has also provided computer resources to support the Audrain County Emergency Response Team and the St. Louis Family and Adoptive Care Coalition. Over the years, the program has refurbished over two hundred-sixty computers and recycled hundreds more.

As it has grown, the program has become increasingly student directed. Advanced students work independently on community service projects. For example, Devon Dunn received a service learning grant for a project called Generation Rejuvenation. The project provided computer resources and training for two local assisted living facilities.

Community service isn't limited to upperclassmen. A group of sophomores set up a three city computer recycling event to celebrate America Recycles day. Students will continue to participate in Columbia's Earth Day celebration.

Our success would not have been possible without the help of local businesses. Ovid Press and Central Electric donate dozens of computers and other electronic equipment on an annual basis. Other organizations such as Royal Automotive, the Audrain County Library, the Missouri School Boards Association and Schepper's Distributing have also been very generous to the program.

Our greatest support, however, comes from Mid-Missouri Recycling. Through our partnership, we are able to recycle any unneeded parts down to the last screw, diverting tons of electronic scrap from the waste stream.

The North Callaway computer refurbishing program is an excellent example of what education can offer; developing a sense of pride and leadership, real-world problem solving skills, and a sense of responsibility for our community and our environment.

Partner Statement

The students at North Callaway High School have displayed creativity and innovation in addressing the issue of e-waste. Their project is a great example of how effective solutions to important environmental issues can result in economic and community benefits. CI recognizes the tremendous efforts of North Callaway in promoting sustainable practices in their community as well as their support for communities around the world.