City of Dallas partners with TXU Energy and Comp-U-Dopt to give away computers

The City of Dallas is partnering with TXU Energy and Comp-U-Dopt to give away 400 computers to help address the digital divide in our education system. Dallas families with at least one middle school student, who previously registered and were randomly selected as part of the giveaway event, will receive their devices at two contactless drive-thru events.

“During this time of great need in our city, the efforts of our private partners are critical to bringing equity to our communities. That is why we are thrilled to partner with TXU Energy and Comp-U-Dopt on this program, which will help provide hundreds of students with the technology that they need this school year,” Mayor Johnson said. “We must continue to commit ourselves to giving our children every chance to succeed in light of the challenging circumstances they face.”

The first giveaway event is Monday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center at 2828 Fish Trap Road. The second giveaway is Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon at the MLK JR Community Center at 2922 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.

“The digital divide existed prior to the pandemic, but the uncertainty around the school year has further exacerbated the need for students to have access to technology,” said Brad Watson, TXU Energy community affairs senior director. “As the leading retail electricity provider in the state, TXU Energy takes seriously our responsibility to strengthen the communities we serve. Our hope is that these computers will provide a bridge to more solid learning opportunities for students in the fall.”

Refurbished Comp-U-Dopt laptops, purchased by TXU Energy, include the Windows 10 operating system, two years of technical support and information on free and low-cost internet options depending on individual family needs. Social distancing and safety protocols will be maintained at all drive-thru events and computers will be placed in the family’s vehicle.

“We are excited to be partnering with TXU Energy to ensure students in the community have the tools they need to access distance learning resources,” said Megan Steckly, CEO for Comp-U-Dopt. “Partnerships like this demonstrate how solvable this issue really is for the community.”

According to the Pew Research Institute, 46% of low-income families lack access to a computer at home. With supply chain delays and the global demand for devices at an all-time high, Comp-U-Dopt’s mission to provide technology access and education to underserved youth is needed now, more than ever.

“The Office of Community Care is thrilled to work with long time partner TXU Energy to make the Comp-U-Dopt program available to Dallas residents through our community centers,” said Jessica Galleshaw, Office of Community Care Director. This program will help bridge the digital divide for 400 Dallas middle schoolers and ensure quality educational opportunities at a time of high uncertainty.”