Growing What Matters — March 2026
As spring arrives in Arizona, it brings with it a sense of renewal and momentum. March was a month full of exciting milestones, meaningful community connections, and the kind of stories that remind us exactly why we do this work. From a landmark grant to student-led refurbishment events and dedicated volunteers showing up in a big way — here’s everything that’s been growing at AZ StRUT this month.
Powered by Cox Charities 💡
We are beyond excited to share that AZ StRUT has been selected to receive a $100,000 grant from Cox Charities, part of a sweeping $850,000 in statewide donations awarded to 10 Arizona nonprofits — made possible by the remarkable generosity of Cox employees across the state.
This grant will help us expand access to refurbished technology, strengthen our device refurbishment pipeline, and allow us to say yes to more schools, nonprofits, and community members across Arizona. For a mission-driven organization like ours, this kind of support is genuinely transformative.
This marks the 30th consecutive year that Cox employees have come together through Cox Charities to give back to the communities where they live and work. Since 1996, Cox Arizona employees have raised and granted nearly $12 million for local nonprofits. We are deeply honored to be part of that legacy.
$100,000
Grant awarded to AZ StRUT from Cox Charities
$850,000
Donated statewide to 10 Arizona nonprofits this year
30 Years
Of giving back — Cox Charities has granted nearly $12M to Arizona nonprofits since 1996
Distribution of the Month: Reginald 💻
Sometimes it really is as simple as the right tool at the right time. Reginald recently received a Chromebook through AZ StRUT and not long after sent us a thank-you note that stopped our team in their tracks.
In his note, Reginald shared just how much receiving this device meant to him. He talked about his excitement to get started — using his new computer to search for work, build new skills, and keep pushing himself forward. His words weren’t just grateful, they were full of energy and possibility. You could feel the momentum in them.
Stories like Reginald’s are a powerful reminder of what refurbished technology can actually do in someone’s life. It isn’t just about a device — it’s about access, opportunity, and giving someone the tools they need to take the next step, whatever that looks like for them. A single device can open the door to what’s next.
Inspiring Hardware Techie Experiences 🙌
One of the most rewarding things AZ StRUT gets to do is bring our Hardware Techie Experience directly into the community. This month we partnered with two incredible organizations to give young people the chance to get hands-on with real technology — and the results were nothing short of inspiring.
Home Base — Surprise
At Home Base in Surprise, we hosted a Hardware Techie Experience designed to build confidence and curiosity around technology for the youth in their program. Participants got to take apart and explore real laptop hardware, learning how the devices they use every day actually function from the inside out. Beyond the technical knowledge, what stood out was the shift in how these young people engaged with technology — moving from passive users to curious problem-solvers ready to dig deeper.
PESD — Pendergast Elementary
Our Hardware Techie Experience with the Pendergast Elementary School District took things a step further in the most meaningful way possible. Not only did students get hands-on experience with real hardware and tech skills — every single laptop distributed at the event was refurbished by PESD students themselves. They didn’t just learn about technology; they built the devices that went into the hands of their own community. It’s hard to think of a more powerful way to show young people that their work genuinely matters.
An Insider Scoop: Slater’s Experience 👀
Every now and then a student does something that genuinely blows us away — and Slater is one of those students. After spending time with AZ StRUT, Slater sat down and wrote a detailed account of their experience that is as impressive as it is inspiring.
In the piece, Slater walks readers through the process of building a LAN completely from scratch. They describe setting up a server, configuring systems, troubleshooting along the way, and ultimately bringing an entire network to life — all using donated parts and knowledge gained through hands-on learning. It is technical, thorough, ambitious, and completely student-driven from start to finish.
This is proof that when young people are given access to tools, guidance, and the space to experiment, there is no ceiling on what they can accomplish.
Volunteer Feature: Different Paths, Same Purpose 🤝
Pam Rottas
Pam joined AZ StRUT six months ago, bringing a rich background in special education, engineering, and assistive technology. Her role centers on preparing and organizing devices for redistribution — work that carries enormous weight in practice. One of Pam’s most meaningful moments was helping prepare 240 pieces of technology for a rural community, seeing firsthand just how many families still lack access to something as fundamental as a working laptop. For Pam, volunteering at AZ StRUT isn’t just about sorting hardware — it’s about knowing that what she does on a Tuesday morning can change someone’s life by the weekend.
Scott Rudin
Scott brings a decades-long career in the semiconductor industry and a deep well of technical expertise. When he retired, Scott wasn’t looking to slow down — he was looking for work that mattered. He found it at AZ StRUT. Every refurbished device that goes to a student working toward a degree or a job seeker building new skills is a reminder that the work he’s doing in retirement is as meaningful as anything he accomplished in his career. Scott is a perfect example of how technical experience, at any stage of life, can make a real difference in the community.
People coming from different paths, united by a shared belief in access, opportunity, and sustainability. Together, Scott and Pam reflect what makes AZ StRUT’s volunteer community so special.
Out in the Community
AZ StRUT was out and about across Arizona this month, connecting with students and families at two great community events.
SARSEF STEM Expo — Tucson 🌵
On March 7th, AZ StRUT headed south to join the 2026 SARSEF Community STEM Expo and Awards Ceremony. The park came alive with student-led research projects, interactive exhibits, and hands-on STEM exploration. It was an inspiring opportunity to connect with students and families who are engaged, curious, and actively leaning into their futures. We left energized by every young innovator we met throughout the day.
Cimarron Springs STEAM Night ⚙️
At Cimarron Springs STEAM Night, students cycled through our booth all evening, each one getting the chance to open up a real computer and explore what’s inside. We walked them through key components — RAM, hard drives, motherboards, cooling systems — explaining what each part does and how they work together. For many, it was their first time seeing the inside of a computer up close. The questions they asked were sharp, creative, and genuinely excited. Turning curiosity into real understanding is at the heart of what AZ StRUT is all about.
Hands-On Impact with AVNET Cares 🛜
There are corporate partners, and then there are partners who truly roll up their sleeves. On March 11th, the AVNET Cares team arrived at our facility ready to work — and work they did.
Alongside our staff and regular volunteers, the AVNET team helped us refurbish 133 devices across three separate community-bound projects. Every device they touched went through testing, cleaning, and preparation for redistribution. Every hour they spent with us moved real technology one step closer to the students and families waiting for it.
We talk a lot about the power of community support, and the AVNET team is a perfect example of what that looks like in action. They didn’t just write a check or send a donation — they showed up, put in the time, and made a tangible difference. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership.
Arizona Gives Day 🌵☀️
Arizona Gives Day is an annual statewide giving initiative powered by AZ Impact for Good. Since its launch in 2013, it has helped raise over $51 million for Arizona nonprofits — directly supporting thousands of organizations and the communities they serve.
More Devices
Every gift expands our capacity to refurbish and redistribute technology to students and families who need it most.
More Reach
Your donation helps us say yes to more partner schools, nonprofits, and community organizations across Arizona.
More Impact
Donations fuel our Techie Labs, Hardware Experiences, and the workforce development programs that are changing lives across the state.
Arizona Gives Day is here! Support AZ StRUT today by making a gift through our Arizona Gives page. Every donation helps expand access to refurbished technology, digital literacy, and opportunity for Arizona students and families.
