In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and social impact, partnerships that bridge the gap between innovation and community needs are more crucial than ever. Human-I-T, a social enterprise dedicated to creating digital equity and promoting sustainable e-waste solutions, has found an invaluable ally in Accenture, a global professional services company.
This collaboration embodies a shared commitment to leveraging technology as a force for good. Together, we’re tackling the dual challenges of digital inequality and environmental sustainability, proving that with the right collaboration, we can transform discarded technology into life-changing opportunities for underserved communities.
Embracing a Holistic Partnership
Since 2022, through a comprehensive approach combining financial grants, pro-bono technology consulting, access to their Skills to Succeed Academy for digital literacy, and employee-led technology drives, Accenture has created a blueprint for meaningful corporate engagement in digital equity.
Notably, Accenture’s employees have rallied behind our cause, spearheading tech drives that have yielded impressive results. In a nationwide initiative spanning the United States, Accenture’s workforce collected over a ton of their own personal technology for donation. This effort not only diverted valuable resources from landfills but also provided the raw materials necessary for our refurbishment programs. The environmental impact is also significant, preventing greenhouse gas emissions and diverting toxic metals from landfills, further demonstrating our shared commitment to sustainability.
Furthermore, Accenture has opened doors to invaluable resources by granting us free access to their Skills to Succeed Academy platform. Combined with our Digital Literacy service in the coming months, this enhances our ability to equip individuals with crucial digital skills for the modern workforce.
Another impactful skills-based volunteering project leveraged Accenture’s expertise in helping create a powerful dashboard that transformed how we manage our operations. This data-driven tool uncovered key insights, enabling us to identify areas where we could optimize our refurbishment process, ultimately refining our efforts to better serve the communities in need of digital access.
Quote from James – “Collaborating with the team at Accenture was an exceptional experience. Their expertise and knowledge were invaluable, directly contributing to our ability to refurbish and distribute an additional 16,000 devices annually” This achievement not only enhances our ability to provide technology to underserved communities but also aligns with our shared commitment to sustainability by reducing e-waste.
Building on this success, we’ve further expanded our collaborative efforts. The development of a cutting-edge technology stack has redefined our approach to customer service and digital navigation. This innovative solution has dramatically enhanced the user experience for those we serve, making technology more accessible and less daunting for individuals of all backgrounds. The intuitive interface and streamlined processes not only facilitate easier access to digital resources but also contribute to our broader goals of workforce development and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
By removing technological barriers, we’re opening doors to educational and employment opportunities that were previously out of reach for many.
As we reflect on these achievements, it becomes clear that our partnership with Accenture has been transformative, not just in terms of operational improvements, but in our ability to create lasting, meaningful change in the communities we serve.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to explore new frontiers in digital equity and sustainability. We envision leveraging emerging technologies and data-driven approaches to create even more innovative solutions for bridging the digital divide.
To organizations and individuals watching our journey: there’s room for you in this mission. Whether you bring resources, complementary goals, or simply passion, your contribution can make a difference. Join us in building a more equitable and sustainable digital future for all.
