Powering Bright Futures — January 2026
A new year brings new opportunities to connect people with technology, learning, and pathways forward. From one laptop making a big difference to hands-on experiences, intern stories, STEM outreach, and upcoming community events — January reminded us that old tech can still power bright futures.
One Laptop
Big impact for Jessy as he builds skills toward future employment
Hands-On
Hardware learning with Rio Salado MNCP participants
Future Leaders
Intern stories from Angel Cortez and Cynthia Chavez
One Laptop, Big Impact 🙌
Sometimes, powering futures looks pretty simple: the right tool, at the right moment.
Recently, AZ StRUT was able to provide a refurbished laptop to Jessy, who was referred to us through a trusted community partner. Jessy was studying biology and math in college before health issues changed his plans — but not his drive to keep moving forward.
With his new laptop, Jessy is building skills in data entry and analysis with the goal of gaining related employment. Having reliable technology gives him the ability to learn, practice, and make progress without unnecessary roadblocks.
It’s a small distribution, but a powerful reminder of why access to technology matters — and why AZ StRUT does what it does.
A Behind the Screens Look 🎥
If you haven’t checked out AZ StRUT’s YouTube channel yet, this is your official nudge. One of our favorite recurring segments is Jared’s Fun Finds, where Executive Director Jared Bodine shows off some of the coolest, quirkiest, and most “wait… what is THAT?” donations that roll through AZ StRUT.
Beyond the fun, Jared’s Fun Finds is a reminder that every donated item has the power to fuel learning, spark creativity, and help build access to technology across Arizona. Yesterday’s tech can still power tomorrow’s possibilities.
Parts and Progress ⚙️
Hands-on learning and real tools help turn curiosity into confidence.
Thanks to the incredible support from Thunderbirds Charities, participants in the Rio Salado Microelectronics & Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program got hands-on with our Hardware Techie Experience.
During the program, participants explored the ins and outs of computer hardware, built practical tech skills, and walked away with a refurbished laptop of their own.
These tools not only support success in the MNCP program but also help open doors for future learning and opportunity. We’re proud to help expand access to technology, education, and opportunity through partnerships that make a real impact.
Future Tech Leaders: Meet Our Interns 🎒
Angel and Cynthia spent time learning, contributing, and building confidence through hands-on technology experience at AZ StRUT.
Angel Cortez
Angel Cortez spent the fall semester of 2025 with AZ StRUT, diving headfirst into refurbishing laptops, exploring hardware, and working with different operating systems.
Beyond the tech skills, Angel discovered the value of organization, community, and hands-on training, gaining confidence and clarity for his next steps in the tech world.
His favorite part? The friendly, energetic atmosphere that made learning fun and growth inevitable.
Cynthia Chavez
Cynthia Chavez has been with AZ StRUT for five months, expanding her technical skills while seeing how technology can make a real community impact through reuse.
She values meeting people from all walks of life and witnessing firsthand how the team supports others — from reducing e-waste to helping visitors navigate resources.
Cynthia continues to learn, contribute, and grow while shaping her future in tech.
Both Angel and Cynthia are taking the skills, experience, and lessons from AZ StRUT into the next chapter of their careers, proving that even a short internship can spark big futures.
Hands-On at STEM Fest ⚡️
On Saturday, January 17, AZ StRUT joined the Barrett-Jackson STEM Fest at WestWorld in Scottsdale, welcoming families to our booth for hands-on tech fun.
Visitors tested their knowledge by naming desktop components, took apart and reassembled a computer, and learned what to do with electronics that are broken or no longer needed.
From reuse to refurbishing and recycling, families got a closer look at how smart tech choices keep electronics out of landfills and put them back to work in the community. Events like this help spark curiosity and show how technology can power learning and future possibilities.
Electronic Recycling Event and Car Show! ♻️
Join AZ StRUT at Eastmark High School’s 2nd Annual Car Show on Saturday, February 28 to recycle your used or non-working electronics.
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Eastmark High School, 9560 E Ray Road, Mesa, AZ 85212
From Old Tech to New Possibilities 💡
Your support keeps tech futures shining bright. Make a donation to power our mission, donate electronics, or get involved through new ways to support AZ StRUT.
AZ StRUT’s mission is to improve the competitiveness of Arizona’s technical workforce by supporting applied learning through scholarships and donated technology, providing refurbished equipment to schools and nonprofits, promoting diversity in technical education, and ensuring responsible electronic recycling.
