CEC students support HYPE initiative to expand tech access
On Saturday, their latest batch of refurbished computers will go to graduating seniors at Cincinnati Public Schools.
CEC students support HYPE initiative to expand tech access
In 2022, six Miami University students were united by a common mission: to reduce electronic waste and increase access to technology. These students knew there was a way to give used computers a second life. To do this, they founded the organization Humanitarian Stem Service, which later became Humanitarian Youth Preparation for Electronics Education (HYPE).
Since its founding, HYPE has grown to include around 12 active members spanning a variety of majors from within and outside of CEC. The organization has donated over 100 computers in the past 2 years, and they don’t show any signs of slowing down. They’re currently hard at work preparing their next donation of 40 computers that will go to graduating seniors at Cincinnati Public Schools this upcoming Saturday.
When HYPE receives computers, they follow a two step process for getting them ready to donate. They first tackle the hardware, which involves wiping current storage drives and replacing outdated ones. They may also need to perform additional upgrades on the computer depending on its type and condition. Then, they work on the software, which involves replacing the operating system with a free, user-friendly system designed for education, Linux Mint.
Their new streamlined system for installing Linux Mint, which involves using another computer with an “image” of Linux Mint to directly and quickly install it on a new computer, was suggested by first-year member Luke Macenski, a Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering double major. This kind of initiative is exactly what HYPE encourages.
“We really try to empower our leadership members, no matter what age, what position, to apply their skills and knowledge to really have an impact,” HYPE President Dylan Fall explains.
Fall estimates that about 60-70% of their members come in with a strong tech background, but HYPE values contributions from all its members equally. Members with less technical knowledge often help with the outreach side of the organization through connecting with new potential donation recipients. These members also often learn from others in the club who can show them how to do the essential refurbishment.
“I think one of the highlights of HYPE is just how strong our culture and community is,” Fall adds.
Several members of HYPE have recently been honored with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), a national recognition presented by AmeriCorps on behalf of the U.S. President. To qualify, each recipient must complete over 100 hours of volunteer service within a 12-month period. HYPE members earned this distinction through their work refurbishing and donating computers — including a major donation of 48 devices to Africa Cries Out, an organization that supports education initiatives in Senegal.
After HYPE’s upcoming donation to graduating students at Cincinnati Public Schools, they plan to continue searching and connecting with potential recipients for the surplus of computers they have waiting to be donated. While this donation will take place locally, HYPE also looks outside of the United States for their donation recipients, with previous donations taking place in Africa, Greece, and Thailand, and another upcoming donation scheduled in India. With plenty of technology waiting for a new home, HYPE remains committed to bridging the digital divide, one refurbished computer at a time.
