NW Valley Times

Since its inception in 2021, Grand Canyon University CityServe has distributed approximately $13 million worth of household goods and other necessities, impacting an estimated 50,000 families in Arizona.

Now, the GCU-based outreach ministry, through an agreement with Arizona Students Refurbishing Used Technology (AZStRUT), has expanded its services to address a growing need – computers.

About 3,000 Chromebooks and other laptops donated to GCU CityServe are ready for refurbishing before being sent to nonprofit organizations and families who could use them.

“We realize there's a need that goes beyond (household goods) in technology and transportation," GCU CityServe Director Nathan Cooper said. “This technology piece is such a huge piece for our families because it allows them to utilize a computer, maybe for distance learning, or for building a resume, or just for setting up an email account to receive emails after applying for a job."

“There are so many avenues this gives a family in terms of looking for resources that they might need.”

The initiative has even helped families outside of the United States. About 20 laptops were sent to an orphanage in Mexico to students who work for a church affiliated with GCU that runs a mission trip, Cooper said.

“There’s limitless potential for this to kind of really keep taking off and keep kind of pushing them out to families in need,” Cooper added. “Once again, it's not the lack of the technology. It's just lack of hands to refurbish the technology and be able to refurbish them to a point where we're able to give them to families and individuals.”

College of Engineering and Technology students have gained valuable experience through the help of AZStRUT, which provided directions on how to overhaul the computers. Nearly 20 students have participated so far. CityServe also worked with Director of K12 Outreach Jennifer Mitchell on receiving laptops for the Learning Lounge.

The agreement between CityServe and Mesa-based nonprofit AZStRUT began nearly two years ago. The nonprofit originally partnered with high school-aged students and Mesa Community College, said AZStRUT Executive Director Jared Bodine.

But nearly two years ago, AZStRUT wanted to form an agreement with a larger group in higher education. Bodine credited former executive director Tom Mehlert (now a strategic advisor) for helping form the partnership with CityServe.

For more than two decades, AZStRUT collected used computers from school districts that received new technology after five years. As it collected more computers, storing and refurbishing them at CityServe’s warehouse became ideal.

“We’re happy with donating several devices to CityServe; more students have gotten benefits – not just knowledge from refurbishing,” Bodine said.

College of Engineering and Technology Associate Dean Dr. Pam Rowland stated that students who recondition laptops at CityServe gain hands-on experience while serving their community.

“Once the students do come back (from summer break), that's a huge volunteer force," Cooper said. "So we're excited for them to come back and serve with us.”

This initiative provides students with practical experience while allowing them to give back or work on their hobbies or interests.

“To be able to work on (computers) and have that knowledge when they leave college means they’re hitting the ground running,” Cooper noted.

Dr. Pam Rowland emphasized that reconditioning computers sharpens technical skills as well as teamwork abilities among students while serving their community.

"The services done at CityServe showcase GCU’s Christian worldview and embody principles like love, compassion, and service," Rowland said.

Large volume is manageable by volunteer workers and GCU students. Cooper estimates it takes no more than five minutes per computer refurbishment; around 100 computers can be refurbished by five students within hours.

Although most requests are small-scale—20 or 30 units—CityServe hopes to meet larger demands like those from local churches seeking nearly 700 Chromebooks this fall for foster care program participants.

“It might be a barrier if they're not able to buy or afford it,” Cooper remarked about potential recipients. “But by us providing it completely free—a refurbished computer—it still has plenty of life left."

GCU Senior Writer Mark Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]

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