Schupan Asset Management donates refurbished laptops to students

Schupan Asset Management, the electronics recycling and information technology asset disposition (ITAD) division of Schupan & Sons, Inc., Kalamazoo, Michigan, has donated refurbished Chromebook laptops to Kalamazoo Public Schools and Kalamazoo Covenant Academy. These donations stem from study-from-home policies recently enacted at Michigan schools related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered the closure of all K-12 schools in Michigan March 16.

“The Kalamazoo Covenant Academy exists to help at-risk students receive an education that will prepare them for successful lives,” Jamie San Miguel, school leader at Kalamazoo Covenant Academy says.

“We’ve been scrambling, trying to figure out how to get something to our students so they don’t fall behind any more than they have already. We have several graduating seniors who don’t have a tech device and were concerned about completing their coursework. These devices will allow them to continue their studies from home.”

Monday, March 23, Kalamazoo Public Schools distributed the Chromebooks to high school seniors via drive-through.

Cory Pyscher, vice president of Schupan Asset Management, says of the company’s donation program, “In times like these, it isn't about making a profit; it's about doing the right thing. We have the next 50 years to make a profit. Right now, our community needs us. We are committed to doing what we can to ensure the next generation has what they need to reduce the impact the virus is having on education. While the Chromebooks are theirs to keep, we encourage them to recycle responsibly when they are finished using them."

Every functional Chromebook in Schupan’s inventory is slated for donation, with total donations numbering between 300 and 1,000 devices, the company says.

"If you participate in any public school recycling program, chances are you have Chromebooks in your warehouse,” Pyscher says. “I challenge you to do the same and donate them back into your local communities. Let's step up as an industry and make a positive impact on our country.”

He adds, “Bear in mind, a proper recycling plan should be established prior to distribution to make sure the community has a way to turn the devices back in once they are done using them."