Established in 1999, our REACT Center serves as a center for recycling and refurbishing used computers from Rockwell Collins and other businesses. High school students and teachers have the opportunity to receive hands-on training at the REACT Center, building computers for their own classrooms.
Mission Statement and Goals
Rockwell Collins saw a need in the community, especially with the schools, to provide affordable technology. In addition to providing computers, we believe students need the opportunity to learn first-hand about the workings of computers. The REACT Center was created with the following goals.
- Provide computers for student use in schools
- Provide students and teachers with hands-on training in computer hardware
- Promote a greater awareness in students and teachers regarding the use of "real world" technology
- Serve as a clearinghouse for accepting excess computer equipment from area businesses and donating refurbished computers to schools and other nonprofit community organizations
The REACT Center operates on the efforts of volunteers. We encourage educators to bring students to the center to build computers for their own classrooms. Additionally, we serve as a training ground for educators to gain valuable computer skills.
How to Apply for a Computer
The REACT Center makes donations of computers and other computer hardware to public and parochial schools, as well as not-for-profit agencies that work with youth. All agencies must be accredited or approved educational facilities or have 501(c)3 status. The following guidelines should be followed to insure the best results when requesting computers and other hardware:
- Send a letter of request on school/agency letterhead including federal tax ID number and contact information, including mailing address, phone number and/or email address
- Explain the need for computer technology
- State how many computers are requested
- Include a brief explanation on how the computers will be used
- List specific computing requirements, when known
- Provide student to computer ratio
- The REACT Center takes requests on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, donations depend on current supply. We make every effort to fulfill needs, but evaluate each request based on the information provided, along with other criteria. The REACT Center reserves the right to make final decisions on all donations.
How to Volunteer at REACT
The REACT Center, while staffed by a paid administrator, is run on the efforts of volunteers. Volunteers include active and retired Rockwell Collins employees as well as educators, students and community members. All volunteers are welcome to work during regular business hours, which do include some night and weekend hours.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, contact the REACT Center at 319.393.9632.
Business Partners
Although Rockwell Collins established and operates the REACT Center, its success hinges on the participation of many businesses and organizations. These businesses donate excessed computers, printers and other parts that allow the REACT center to fulfill so many technology requests. Some of our major partners include:
AEGON
Alliant Energy
City of Cedar Rapids
Cedar River Paper Company
General Mills
Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
Healthcare of Iowa
Linn County
McLeod USA
Quaker Oats
Square D