Giving Technology a Second Chance: How TEK Collaborative Works to Sustainably Close the Digital Divide

TEK Collaborative Founder and Director Jeff Williams started the nonprofit in 2021 to refurbish and distribute desktop computers and laptops to those in need and expand digital equity across Massachusetts. The nonprofit’s work helps individuals from all backgrounds including patients accessing telehealth, immigrants, older adults, students, job seekers from underserved communities, and incarcerated individuals learning digital skills who can receive devices upon release. Williams, who has over 25 years of experience in various technology roles, started device refurbishment work during the COVID-19 pandemic when his daughter, then in fifth grade, transitioned to remote learning. “She had everything she needed including a computer, headset, and an environment to learn in,” he said, “but many students and teachers were trying to keep up with just their phones. That’s not possible.” What began as a small initiative fueled by his daughter and the community’s needs quickly grew into something much larger.