This guide serves as a quick reference with approved messaging and statistics for Human-I-T spokespersons to confidently communicate the organization’s impact, mission, and vision to the media.
Human-I-T Media Reference Guide
Who We Are: Mission Statement
Human-I-T is a social enterprise that creates equitable access to opportunity by providing devices, internet access, digital skills training, and tech support to communities left on the wrong side of the digital divide. At the same time, we empower businesses and organizations to do good by diverting technology from landfills, reducing e-waste, and protecting our planet.
What Makes Human-I-T Different?
Unlike a traditional 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Human-I-T operates as a social enterprise, creating a self-sustaining cycle that supports its mission. Instead of relying solely on donor contributions, Human-I-T maximizes the value of donated technology through a circular economy model:
Technology Donations
Corporations donate unused or unwanted technology.
Device Refurbishment
Usable devices are restored to like-new condition and distributed to individuals and communities in need.
Corporate Engagement
Many businesses that donate technology also support Human-I-T as corporate sponsors, strengthening our mission.
Resale for Sustainability
Devices that are not donated are sold at reduced prices through Human-I-T’s eBay store, providing affordable tech access while generating revenue to sustain and expand our impact.
E-Waste Reduction
Any unusable devices are ethically recycled, ensuring a zero-waste approach.
The Human-I-T Donation Flow Chart Model
This model allows Human-I-T to maximize every donation’s impact while reducing electronic waste, ensuring a scalable and sustainable approach to closing the digital divide.
Closing the Digital Divide
Closing the Digital Divide
What is the Digital Divide?
The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to technology, the internet, and digital literacy training and those who do not. This issue affects individuals across all generations, geographic locations (both rural and urban communities), and industries.
How Human-I-T is Closing the Digital Divide
Human-I-T provides devices, internet access, digital skills training, and tech support to communities that lack digital access. Through our self-sustaining social enterprise model, we ensure that people from all backgrounds have a fair shot at contributing to the American and global economy.
What Are the Benefits?
Digital literacy programs
equip individuals with essential skills to compete in the modern workforce, increasing their employability and earning potential.
Access to affordable internet and tech support
enables long-term success by ensuring individuals can fully participate in the digital economy.
Refurbished technology distribution
provides cost-effective access to devices, reducing financial barriers to education, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship.
Fast Facts & Key Impact Statistics
83
of students who receive a device report improved grades.
57
recipients use their devices to access essential social services.
50
stay connected with family, combating digital isolation.
47
gain access to medical and healthcare resources.
33
apply for a new job, proving that digital inclusion creates pathways to economic mobility.
How Human-I-T Supports Digital Learning
Why Digital Literacy Matters
Without access to devices, the internet, and digital literacy training, individuals face barriers to education, employment, and essential services. Digital literacy is critical for workforce development, ensuring people can compete in today’s job market and prepare for the future of work.
Environmental Impact
Environmental Impact
How Human-I-T Protects the Environment
Human-I-T is reducing e-waste and promoting a culture of reuse by:
- Refurbishing and redistributing donated technology instead of allowing it to be discarded.
- Reselling devices at affordable prices to support sustainability and digital inclusion.
- Recycling responsibly for any devices that cannot be repurposed, ensuring no toxic materials pollute the environment.
Millions of pounds of electronic waste (e-waste) end up in landfills each year, releasing toxic materials that harm our resources and communities. Meanwhile, many of these discarded devices are still functional and could be repurposed to benefit those in need.
Who Benefits?
- Businesses and organizations reduce their environmental footprint by keeping technology out of landfills.
- Every tech donation receives a tax deduction for the value of the items.
- The planet benefits from lower carbon emissions and reduced electronic waste.
Fast Facts & Key Impact Statistics
- Human-I-T had diverted 20+ million pounds of e-waste from landfills.
- Millions of functional devices saved from disposal and repurposed for good.
- The Human-I-T facility is NAID- and ISO-certified, featuring advanced ADT security ensuring the highest level of protection for donated items.
Setting the Standard for E-Waste Management
As an arbiter of responsible e-waste disposal and refurbishment, Human-I-T is setting industry standards through the Have A Heart Initiative. Corporations that include, The Walt Disney Studios Technology, and Molina Healthcare have received compliance awards for their commitment to donating technology and supporting sustainable e-waste management practices.
Social Entrepreneurship
Human-I-T: Transforming E-Waste into Digital Equity
Expansion of Digital Empowerment Centers
Human-I-T currently operates a Digital Empowerment Center in Detroit and is actively working to open another in New York City, with plans to expand across the United States. These centers serve as community hubs where individuals can access affordable technology, receive digital literacy training, and connect with workforce development resources.
Preparing for the Next Digital Revolution
By equipping individuals with the technology and skills necessary to navigate the future of work, Human-I-T is ensuring that historically underserved communities are not left behind as AI and digital automation reshape industries.
Human-I-T Has expanded its digital literacy programming by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) tools and courses, enhancing the educational experience for participants.
The addition of Hugh, an AI-powered digital navigation assistant, will provide users with more holistic support on the digital navigation front, allowing them to get connected to the right technology, internet plans, and overall assistance tailored to their needs.
This initiative reinforces Human-I-T’s commitment to bridging the digital divide by equipping individuals with cutting-edge technology and skills essential for success in the digital age.
Summary:
Through its innovative, self-sustaining model, Human-I-T has grown from a small startup into a national force for digital equity and environmental sustainability. By providing refurbished technology, digital literacy training, and affordable internet access, the organization is empowering individuals to succeed in an increasingly digital economy. As Human-I-T expands its Digital Empowerment Centers and integrates AI-driven learning tools, it continues to prove that technology access is not just a privilege but a fundamental right—one that can drive economic mobility, create opportunity, and build a more inclusive future.
Social Entrepreneurship