Synced for Students Home

A partnership to build technological equity

In spring 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic, Polk County Public Schools swiftly instituted districtwide distance learning. The effort was remarkable, but also challenging, in part because PCPS had far more students in need of internet-accessible devices than it had devices to give.

Even amid the fear, confusion and stress of the pandemic, the generosity of the Polk County community endured. A donor stepped forward, offering dozens of computers no longer needed by his business.

Synced for Students, a PCPS/Polk Vision initiative, is an outgrowth of that initial donation. The pandemic revealed a gaping digital divide in Polk County, but also the ability of individuals, businesses and non-profits to bridge it.

Synced for Students seeks to build greater technological equity within our community, one student at a time.

Goals

  1. Provide students in need with internet-accessible devices.
  2. Expand access to fast, reliable internet service.
  3. Secure legislation and funding that supports these goals.

How can you be part of Synced for Students?

One of the easiest ways is to donate a used device. Individuals and businesses purchase new laptops, and tablets every few years. New gadgets are always nice, but in many cases, those old devices are still
usable for years to come. When you donate your used device to Synced for Students, you’re putting its full lifespan to use for a great cause: the education of our children.

What kind of devices will be accepted?

Donated computers should have at least one year of usability left in their lifespan. Laptops and tablets are preferred over desktops because they have fewer parts. The following specifications describe devices that will best be able to support distance-learning platforms:

  • 128 GB hard drive or higher
  • 4 GB RAM or higher
  • 2.0 GHz Intel or AMD processor
  • Windows 7 or later
  • Internet Explorer or Google Chrome
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Anti-virus program
  • Wi-Fi capable (or equipped with a network
  • interface card for a desktop)
  • Speakers
  • Microphone or webcam is a plus

Download the Flyer

Download the FLYER
Click here to Donate
FAQ

For more information, please contact Polk Vision at:
syncedforstudents@polkvision.com
863.800.3520

Polk Vision
600 N. Broadway Ave., Suite 201
Bartow, FL 33830