About the Digital Equity Program (DEP)
What is DEP?
RivcoConnect’s Digital Equity Program (DEP) seeks to bridge the digital divide by providing free or low-cost refurbished computers to qualifying organizations within Riverside County.
What is digital equity?
According to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, digital equity is a condition where all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.
How does DEP benefit Riverside County?
DEP reduces the digital divide by facilitating the donation of computers to eligible organizations serving the community. The Program has also partnered with school districts that provide computer literacy training that empowers Riverside County residents to:
- Operate a computer
- Utilize Microsoft Office applications
- Use the internet to find employment
- Do online research
- Connect with friends and relatives
Does DEP offer low-cost or free broadband internet with the computers?
No. DEP provides only computer equipment. However, qualifying households are eligible for low-cost home internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
How are repurposed computers processed/evaluated?
Riverside County is committed to supporting our community through the efficient and responsible repurposing of surplus technology equipment.
- Electronic surplus, primary computers and related technology are transported to a central facility, where they undergo a data sanitation process that permanently and irreversibly removes or destroys the data stored on a memory device to make it unrecoverable. This process ensures that sensitive data is effectively protected against unauthorized disclosure.
- Computers assessed as functional are then refurbished and distributed to nonprofit organizations serving those in need throughout the County. Alternatively, some computers and printers are repurposed to serve County agencies and departments.
- Computers that are no longer needed or deemed unsuitable for donation are sold on an auction site to bring funding into the Program.
- Computers and related electronics that are broken or non-functional are sent to an R2-certified e-waste company that can properly dispose of the items in compliance with environmental regulations.
I’m interested in starting a Digital Equity Program in my community. How do I get started?
You may contact Nora Valenzuela, the DEP Program Manager, or Tom Mullen, the County’s Chief Data Officer, on how we can assist you.
DEP Partners
What is a DEP Partner?
A DEP Partner is an organization providing services to Riverside County residents and/or working to promote greater access to digital resources for Riverside County residents. DEP Partner organizations can receive bulk refurbished computer equipment at no cost.
How can DEP-donated equipment be used?
As a DEP Partner, an organization can utilize the equipment received:
- For the organization’s use in its operations and programs.
- As pass-through donations to low-income families or individuals served.
Recent examples include:
- Project TechXploration, a nonprofit promoting STEAM careers among underrepresented and underprivileged youth, received 30 desktop computers.
- American Legion posts throughout Riverside County, received 17 repurposed desktop and laptop computers that enable Legion members to connect with fellow veterans, access vital information, and utilize various online tools and platforms.
- The County of Riverside Community Action Partnership offers financial literacy workshops that provide participants with a free refurbished laptop upon completion.services.
Is my organization eligible to become a DEP Partner and receive free computer equipment?
Your organization may be eligible if it is either:
- A public agency;
- A school district or community college district; OR
- A county children and families commission that was established pursuant to the California Children and Families Act of 1998.
In addition, your organization may be eligible if it is exempt from taxation under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)3 AND is either:
- Organized for the care, teaching, or training of children or developmentally disabled children;
- Organized for the care, teaching, or training of Native Americans; OR
- Organized to provide health or human services.
Is DEP available for organizations outside of Riverside County?
An organization operating on a local, statewide or national basis may be eligible for DEP hardware as long as it serves needs or causes within Riverside County. Please note that the end recipient of the refurbished computers must reside in Riverside County.
What kind of equipment is available?
All donated computers provided by DEP are surplus business class computers from Riverside County and other local governments. Each desktop computer includes the following:
- A licensed copy of Microsoft Windows
- A licensed Microsoft Office suite (Work, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
- A working LED/LCD monitor
- A working keyboard and mouse
How much does it cost to receive a computer?
There is no cost to receive equipment from DEP.
How does my organization apply?
You can contact the DEP Program Manager to apply or complete the online application and submit it with the requested documentation.
Picking up DEP Computers
Do you deliver computers?
No. If your organization is approved for DEP equipment, you will be responsible for picking up the items at our site.
Is there a charge for picking up donated computers?
No. Our staff will assist you with loading their computers into their vehicles. For larger orders, we do have a loading dock and forklift.
Do I need to make an appointment for a pickup?
Yes. We have a gated facility, so clients will need to call in advance to schedule a pickup. These can be scheduled Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
What size truck should I bring?
The size of your vehicle will depend on the number of units being picked up. We can accommodate pickup trucks, vans, stake beds and box trucks, as well as semi-trucks with full-size trailers. Please note that trucks with trailers over 45 feet may have difficulty navigating our parking lot. To assist with loading, we can provide forklifts, pallet jacks and dollies on-site.