The Computers for Louisiana’s Kids (CLK) program was created by The Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council (CACRC) to extend the lifecycle of electronic computer equipment. CACRC is a non-profit organization that recycles thousands of computers each year by redistributing viable equipment to be used in schools across the state participating in our CLK program. There are currently 70 such programs state-wide. Through the CLK program CACRC was able to give 3000 computers a second life as educational tools in CLK sites last year.

When joining the CLK program, schools agree to teach a class on computer repair. Students in the class receive TOPS credit towards their diploma.

The CLK program is not limited to high schools; non-profit organizations, private schools, vocational schools, and middle schools are eligible as well. By joining the CLK program, schools receive a wealth of benefits, and it is free to join. Here are just a few of the benefits:

Schools receive an electronic copy of our textbook, but are not required to use it. Since we own the copyright, teachers can reproduce copies of the textbook at their leisure. 

We offer free training to all of our CLK teachers. The trainings cover pertinent issues facing CLK teachers, including the latest technical advances. We also offer one on one training for teachers that want to gain more technical experience with the computer equipment. 

By joining the program, CACRC will deliver enough equipment to not only meet the needs of the Computer class, but the needs of the entire site as well. Once the class has prepared the computers CACRC sends to them, the site can use the computers wherever they feel they are needed. Also, if there are neighboring primary schools that need technology we will partner with the CLK site to provide those schools with needed technology. Imagine the freedom of being able to create an entire computer lab without using money out of the budget, or helping a neighboring school obtain a computer lab.

Once students become proficient at troubleshooting computers in the classroom, why not solidify that knowledge by giving them real life experience and career training within your own location? Many CLK classes perform technical support for the entire school. No more waiting for a technician to come out and fix a simple problem that students are being trained to solve. Students will be able to carry that work experience with them wherever they may go after the class.

All of the computers the CLK program distributes would have been simply thrown away if CACRC didn’t collect them. By joining the CLK program, schools are helping divert computers from being disposed of in a landfill. These computers and monitors equipment contain harmful materials that will eventually leech out into the water table, if not reused or recycled.