School’s Out, Impact’s In — May 2026
As classrooms wrap up for the year, AZ StRUT is just getting started! From expanding access to technology and hands-on learning opportunities to keeping electronics out of Arizona landfills, summer is shaping up to be a season of community impact, sustainability, and continued innovation. Here’s a look at everything that happened this month.
One Year Later: Still Better Together 🙌
It’s officially been one year since AZ StRUT moved next door to Treasures 4 Teachers, and the partnership has already grown into something bigger than shared walls.
Over the past year, our shared campus has turned into a hub for creativity, sustainability, and education. We’ve watched teachers recycle old electronics before heading next door for classroom supplies, thrift shoppers discover tech recycling for the first time, and community members stumble into one organization only to leave excited about both.
“I’ve appreciated the new opportunities this new space has made available. We have been able to expand our activities and reach, more people can come and participate… Treasures 4 Teachers has been a wonderful partner in helping us grow into our new home.” — Jared Bodine, Executive Director
Two nonprofits, one campus, and countless ways for people to support education and sustainability all in one stop. Here’s to many more!
Shop Our Secondhand Tech Store 🛍️
Have you visited our new location yet? It’s home to our secondhand technology store! Find all kinds of new and refurbished tech treasures at affordable prices — perfect for beating that summer-break boredom.
Stop by and see what’s in stock:
3025 S 48th St, #101, Tempe, AZ 85282
Volunteer Feature: Meet Jack! 👋
Jack Hosier
When Jack started volunteering at AZ StRUT in August 2025, he was looking for something meaningful to fill part of his week while searching for work after graduating from Arizona State University. What he found was a place where he could keep learning, work with technology, and give back to the community at the same time.
A Tempe native and graduate of ASU’s School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, Jack first got interested in computers through the iTec program at East Valley Institute of Technology. At AZ StRUT, he enjoys the variety of volunteer work — especially refurbishing laptops for students and schools.
For Jack, the best part is knowing the work makes a difference. Whether it’s keeping electronics out of landfills or helping students gain access to technology, he’s proud to be part of AZ StRUT’s mission. Thanks for all you do, Jack!
Think Before You Toss! 💭
Earlier this month, AZ StRUT Executive Director Jared Bodine teamed up with digital safety expert Susan Anable on an opinion piece for the Tempe Tribune about the importance of responsible e-waste recycling and data security.
The article encourages readers to think more intentionally about old electronics before throwing them away — reminding the community that “an old device isn’t junk, it’s a choice.” It also explores how reuse, refurbishment, and proper recycling can protect both personal data and the environment.
Breaking Things Down to Learn Something New ⛓️
AZ StRUT teamed up with HeatSync Labs for a community Tech Tear Apart, where 35 curious students spent the afternoon taking apart old electronics and learning how they work, piece by piece.
We supplied non-working devices for the event — including a combo record player, cassette player, and CD player that participants EJ and Amber dove into together. From motors and circuit boards to screws and wiring, the event gave attendees a hands-on look at the technology we use every day.
“You can learn how the inner workings of electronics work — how the motors and other mechanical components work together to make your everyday electronics work. Altogether it’s a cool experience.” — EJ
Amber walked away with a lesson of her own: she learned that using the wrong screwdriver on the wrong screw can break it. Phillips-and-flathead mix-ups aside, these students left with new tech knowledge, fresh curiosity, and a much stronger respect for the correct screwdriver.
A Summer That Looks Good on Your Résumé! 💡
As many of our student interns head off for summer break, we’re looking for the next group of curious minds to join us. AZ StRUT internships offer hands-on experience with technology, practical skills for future careers, resume-building opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact in the community. What’s not to love?
Where Your Tech Goes Next 👀
Every refurbished device finds a new purpose. Here’s where some of this month’s technology landed.
Distribution of the Month: International Human Rights & Legal Help Center 💻
This month, AZ StRUT distributed 10 Chromebooks to the International Human Rights and Legal Help Center, helping expand access to technology for students and families in our community.
The devices will support a variety of educational opportunities — including summer camp participation for 10-year-old Zaina, college prep and study-abroad coursework for 17-year-old Karina, and upcoming summer technology clinics for both youth and older adults.
As part of the organization’s STEM initiative, the Chromebooks will help create greater access to technology and digital education for underserved students, building skills, confidence, and future career readiness.
Learning Across AZ: Our Top High School Partners! 🎓
A huge shoutout to our most active high school partners — students who are learning computer repair, gaining hands-on technical skills, and helping refurbish technology through AZ StRUT programs.
- Eastmark High School
- East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT)
- Estrella Foothills High School
- Kofa High School
- Maricopa High School
- Mesa High School
- Mountain View High School
- Red Mountain High School
- Westwood High School
- Buckeye Union High School
- ALA Applied Technologies High School
- Arizona Autism Charter School
Together, these students are giving technology a second life while building skills that can lead to future careers in STEM, IT, and beyond. We can’t wait to see what they do next!
Start Summer with Support! ☀️
When school lets out, opportunity doesn’t. This summer, AZ StRUT is putting technology into the hands of learners, teaching valuable technical skills, and keeping electronics out of landfills. Your donation helps make that impact possible — join us in powering a summer full of opportunity.
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.
