Closing The Digital Divide

In 2019 Dylan Zajac, age 15, founded a groundbreaking non-profit called Computers For People. The theory behind Zajac’s non-profit originated from a side hustle he started early in high school where he would go to thrift stores with friends and buy used electronics for a significantly reduced, and often heavily bartered down, price and flip them for a considerable profit, sometimes up to 80%. But how did this shrewd skill turn into the non-profit supported by roughly $2 million?

The mission of Computers For People became clear to Zajac when he noticed the excessive amount of electronic waste from people and companies that do not know how to properly dispose of electronics. He realized he could create a way to reduce electronic waste, while at the same time providing for those in need. Zajac is driven by his goal to limit what he calls the digital divide. This is the fact that digital world access, resulting from low economic status and limited finances, affects the ability of many individuals to access basic technology such as a computer.

Zajacs company, now operating with 501 (c)(3) status, works with local New England companies and individuals to acquire used electronics and refurbish them to then be given to those who cannot afford a computer or access to the digital world. Dylan Zajac has also been able to expand the impact of his non-profit by providing free PC rebuilding lessons and other technological helps to the same people he serves with new access to the digital world.

In every part of the process, Zajac took the time and care to have an impact in the decision making. He is intricately involved in the mind of the company as well as the execution of its mission. He encourages entrepreneurs to do the same with their own businesses and also says “don’t overthink every step: Act fast, make decisions quickly and keep moving forward.“