Since its founding in 2015 the PowerOn program has worked with the LGBTQ+ community and those that serve it to help access technology and devices such as desktops, laptops, printers, and tablets. Through grants such as the Mobile Mini Grant in 2022 and the Community Tech Grant in 2023, PowerOn has provided over $380,872 worth of devices to 107 LGBTQ+ Centers all across the US and Puerto Rico. The technology provided to LGBTQ+ Centers play a critical role in helping LGBTQ+ community members access education, work, healthcare, and other resources online.
As PowerOn continues to adapt to the digital access needs of the LGBTQ+ community, we know that in today’s world it is critical to have individual and daily access to technology. Our impact report revealed the need for access to technology for LGBTQ+ individuals as well. PowerOn found that devices were used to apply for jobs, earn GEDs, complete schoolwork, connect to services, find stable housing, and more. As one of our community members who received a laptop explained, “This tech will help me with school and working from home. I will be able to use the laptop to complete my assignments and attend class and work during work hours with no rush of having to share with another person who needs to get work done as well.”
With the growing importance of bridging the digital access gap, PowerOn is proud to announce the launch of the PowerOn Individual Technology Grant. These individual grants will provide critically important technology to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community that are 16 years or older and are residents of the US can apply for cell phones, tablets, and laptops for personal use. The grant application operates on a monthly rolling basis through December 12, 2023. Individuals must be referred through a LGBTQ+ center, social service organization, school/university, or other similar establishment and can apply for one device within a 12-month period.
PowerOn is proud to be able to help provide technology to the LGBTQ+ community and will continue to work hard to adapt to meet the evolving needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
To learn more about the new Individual Tech Grant, please visit: https://www.poweronlgbt.org/individual-grant
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