Computer Reach
Computer Reach is a Pittsburgh-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes refurbished Kubuntu Linux computers, low-cost T-Mobile internet via FCC EBS spectrum, and digital literacy training to underserved households and community organizations across Western Pennsylvania and beyond.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersPittsburgh, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Computer Reach does
Computer Reach is a Pittsburgh-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2001 by Executive Director Dave Sevick, evolving from a 1996 Apple User Group volunteer effort to refurbish retired school computers for distribution to underserved communities. The organization operates from a single warehouse at 7800 Susquehanna Street in the Homewood neighborhood and delivers an integrated digital inclusion stack comprising refurbished computers (Kubuntu Linux desktops pre-configured with 18 free universal apps for education, work, healthcare, and daily life), low-cost internet access, and digital literacy training. A Digital Navigator field program serves 9 counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania, supported by approximately 10 core staff plus 23 trained Digital Navigators across six counties in 2024-2025, providing year-long in-person and remote device, connectivity, and training support to end-users at no cost.
The revenue model is diversified across donations and fundraising, government and foundation grants (e.g., $320,450 from Google.org in Sept 2022, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry R4 and R5 rounds, Hillman Family Foundation, and the $20M PA Broadband Development Authority Digital Connectivity Technology Program), refurbished hardware resale (warehouse store and eBay storefront), private tutoring sessions at $75-$99/hour, and a Budget WiFi subscription program that resells T-Mobile 4G/5G internet services at $14.50-$35/month via a partnership with 35 Mile Foundation leveraging FCC Educational Broadband Service spectrum. The customer base spans individual low-income households (seniors, veterans, rural residents, the homeless), workforce-development organizations (Ignite for Success, Southwest Training Services), schools and libraries, community nonprofits (Catholic Charities Diocese of Pittsburgh), and government entities (Cokeburg Volunteer Fire Department).
Since inception, Computer Reach has cumulatively distributed over 24,000 devices across 47 US states and 42 countries, served 90 Pittsburgh neighborhoods, processed 14.9-15.2 tons of e-waste annually through R2 certified partners, engaged 850 volunteer hours in 2024-2025, and hosted over 2,500 volunteers since 2001 with more than 50% repeat participation. Marketing and distribution operate entirely without paid advertising, relying instead on partner referral channels, a Pittsburgh Cares volunteer platform presence, Northstar Digital Literacy testing-location status (since 2017), and earned media coverage including a WQED radio feature for the July 2025 25th anniversary milestone.
Computer Reach firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Computer Reach
- Legal name
- Computer Reach
- Website
- https://computerreach.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Computer Reach is a Pittsburgh-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes refurbished Kubuntu Linux computers, low-cost T-Mobile internet via FCC EBS spectrum, and digital literacy training to underserved households and community organizations across Western Pennsylvania and beyond.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Computer Reach industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Digital Inclusion Services
- NAICS
- Computer Training (611420), Computer Training (61142), Educational Support Services (611710), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Other Computer Related Services (541519)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Retail-Computer & Computer Software Stores (5734), Wholesale-Computers & Peripheral Equipment & Software (5045)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Foundational Computer & Device Literacy (EDAAAIAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Digital Inclusion & Public Tech Access Training (Device/Internet/Basic IT) (EDAAAFAE), Assistive Technology Lending Libraries, Trials & Device Loan Programs (EDAKAIAL), End-User Helpdesk & Service Desk (Students/Faculty/Staff) (EDALAMAA)
Keywords
Where Computer Reach is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pittsburgh
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Computer Reach business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Financial Donations: Nonprofit donations from individuals and organizations to support mission operations, refurbishing, and programs
- Refurbished Computer Sales: Sale of refurbished desktop computers and equipment through warehouse store and eBay storefront
- Budget WiFi Internet Service: Resale of T-Mobile mobile and fixed 5G/4G internet services at discounted rates ($14.50-$35/month) to eligible families
- Computer Tutoring Services: Private tutoring sessions at $75/hour warehouse or $99/hour home/organization visits for computer skills training
- Government and Foundation Grants: Grant funding from Google.org, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Hillman Family Foundation, and other sources
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | One-time award | Free Computer Bundle Giveaway (Lottery Program) |
| Subscription | Monthly | 4G Mobile WiFi - T10 Plan |
| Subscription | Monthly | 5G Mobile WiFi - JEX Plan |
| Subscription | Monthly | 5G Fixed Home WiFi - Sagemcom Plan |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Warehouse Tutoring |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Home/Organization Tutoring |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Computer Reach product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Computer Reach is a nonprofit that refurbishes donated corporate computers, installs a custom Kubuntu Linux-based Universal Desktop, and distributes the equipment through free Computer Giveaways to low-income individuals and a paying Warehouse Store in Pittsburgh. It complements device access with Budget WiFi (T-Mobile 4G/5G home internet resold at subsidized rates), a Digital Navigator Program delivering in-person digital skills support across nine Western Pennsylvania counties, paid private tutoring, and Northstar Digital Literacy testing. Programs are sustained through corporate hardware donations, foundation grants (including Google.org), individual donations, and earned revenue from equipment sales and WiFi subscriptions.
Product overview
Computer Reach is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of interconnected digital inclusion programs. The core offerings include the Computer Giveaways Program (free refurbished desktop computers via lottery), the Budget WiFi program (low-cost T-Mobile internet at $14.50-$35/month), and the Digital Navigator Program (comprehensive training and tech support). Supporting services include private tutoring sessions, a warehouse retail store, laptop lending programs, Northstar digital literacy testing, and corporate donation/volunteer programs. The organization operates from a central warehouse in Pittsburgh's Homewood neighborhood and serves local, national, and international communities, having distributed over 24,000 devices across 47 US states and 42 nations since 2001.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Computer Giveaways Program
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 24,000 computer devices provided since 2001
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Computer Reach
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Computer Reach technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability2 records
Feature1 record
Computer Reach partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)coreNational organization coordinating digital inclusion efforts. Partnered with Computer Reach for Washington County Digital Navigator Project and Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Computer Reach is member of national advocacy organizations including AFTRR and NDIA.
- T-MobilecoreTechnology partner providing 4G and 5G mobile and fixed internet services. Computer Reach resells T-Mobile services at discounted rates ($14.50-$35/month) through Budget WiFi program. Uses T-Mobile coverage network for internet access.
- 35 Mile FoundationcorePartnership utilizing FCC-issued Educational Broadband Service (EBS) license to provide affordable high-quality internet access to nonprofits, schools, libraries, and social welfare agencies via T-Mobile network.
- Ignite for SuccesscoreBusiness incubator and co-working space in Washington County serving entrepreneurs and small business owners. Partnered with Washington County Digital Navigator Project. Provides Ideas 2 Enterprise program helping participants create formal business plans and win grant money.
- Southwest Training Services Inc.coreWorkforce development organization in Washington County, PA. Partnership with Washington County Digital Navigator Project provides computers and digital literacy to individuals and families who otherwise could not access technology from home.
- Catholic Charities Diocese of PittsburghmajorMon Valley Gismondi Job Training Program providing free hands-on telecommunications training. Achieved 90% certification completion rate and 70% post-program placement success.
- Northstar (Literacy Minnesota)coreDigital literacy assessment and training program. Computer Reach is certified testing location since 2017. Offers lessons and assessments in essential computer skills, software applications, and technology in daily life.
- Pittsburgh CaresminorVolunteer coordination platform used for scheduling Friday volunteer events at warehouse. Volunteers register through Pittsburgh Cares Galaxy Digital platform for admission to volunteer events.
- University of Pittsburgh SurplusminorNew partner in 2025 handling e-waste processing alongside staff and weekly volunteers. Contributed to 15.2 tons of e-waste handled in 2025.
- Cokeburg Volunteer Fire DepartmentminorRecipient of 5 iPads and comprehensive digital skills training through Washington County Digital Navigator Project. Improved emergency response capabilities for the department responding to ~250 calls annually.
- The Nyadire ConnectionminorFaith-based nonprofit partnering with Nyadire United Methodist Mission in Zimbabwe. Included Computer Reach in 2010 mission trip updating ethernet, satellite, and LAN wiring while installing 50 iMac computers at hospital and six rural health clinics.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Computer Reach competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA): National coalition advancing digital equity through affiliate network, policy advocacy, and Digital Navigator model. Computer Reach is an NDIA member and grant subrecipient, making NDIA a key ecosystem partner and de facto peer in the digital inclusion space.
Emerging players
- EveryoneOn: Nonprofit connecting low-income families to affordable internet, devices, and digital literacy training through national partnerships. Comparable mission around digital divide, with a connector-platform business model rather than direct distribution.
Broad incumbents
- Goodwill Industries International: Large nonprofit network offering digital literacy programs, job training, and refurbished computer sales through local affiliates. Operates in the same digital inclusion space but as part of a much broader workforce and social services portfolio.
- Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing free technology training and workforce development to underserved adults, with strong employer hiring partnerships. Comparable digital skills training and workforce development outcomes, though larger and IT-career focused.
- Comcast Internet Essentials: Comcast's flagship low-cost broadband and digital literacy program for low-income households. Overlaps Computer Reach's Budget WiFi and digital literacy offerings, though run by a major ISP as part of a broader portfolio.
Direct peers
- Human I.T. Formerly InterConnection, this nonprofit refurbishes donated computers and distributes them to nonprofits and low-income individuals globally, with digital literacy training. Closely comparable in device distribution and digital inclusion mission.
- Compudopt: Nonprofit providing refurbished computers, internet access, and digital literacy training to underserved K-12 students and families. Directly comparable refurbished-PC-plus-training model with similar donor-corporate pipeline.
- PCs for People: Nonprofit providing refurbished computers and low-cost internet to underserved communities across multiple U.S. states. Directly comparable mission, device distribution model, and broadband affordability approach.
- World Computer Exchange: Nonprofit refurbishing and shipping computers to schools and youth organizations in developing countries. Comparable international refurbished-device distribution and digital inclusion approach.
- E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide): Charlotte, NC-based nonprofit distributing refurbished computers, providing broadband access, and delivering digital literacy training to underserved families. Similar mission, end-user profile, and program structure.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Computer Reach social profiles
Digital presenceComputer Reach compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Computer Reach financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Computer Reach leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles17 records
Computer Reach funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Computer Reach M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Computer Reach
What does Computer Reach do?
Computer Reach is a nonprofit that refurbishes donated corporate computers, installs a custom Kubuntu Linux-based Universal Desktop, and distributes the equipment through free Computer Giveaways to low-income individuals and a paying Warehouse Store in Pittsburgh. It complements device access with Budget WiFi (T-Mobile 4G/5G home internet resold at subsidized rates), a Digital Navigator Program delivering in-person digital skills support across nine Western Pennsylvania counties, paid private tutoring, and Northstar Digital Literacy testing. Programs are sustained through corporate hardware donations, foundation grants (including Google.org), individual donations, and earned revenue from equipment sales and WiFi subscriptions.
Is Computer Reach a public or private company?
Computer Reach is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Computer Reach founded?
Computer Reach was founded in 2001. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Computer Reach based?
Computer Reach is headquartered in Pittsburgh, United States, in the North America region.
How does Computer Reach make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Financial Donations are the primary driver. The others are refurbished Computer Sales, budget WiFi Internet Service, computer Tutoring Services and government and Foundation Grants.
Who are Computer Reach's main competitors?
National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) is listed as an others. EveryoneOn is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Goodwill Industries International, Per Scholas and Comcast Internet Essentials. Direct peers are Human I.T., Compudopt, PCs for People, World Computer Exchange and E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide).
Does Computer Reach have an API?
No public API is recorded for Computer Reach.
What industry is Computer Reach in?
Computer Reach's product category is Digital Inclusion Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAIAA, Foundational Computer & Device Literacy, with a secondary code of EDAAAFAE, Digital Inclusion & Public Tech Access Training (Device/Internet/Basic IT). Its NAICS code is 611420 and its SIC code is 8200.