Devices Into New Beginnings — September 2026
As summer fades and Arizona settles into a new season of learning, our community showed up in a big way this month — from veterans finishing a career-changing certificate program to volunteers of all ages giving up their Saturday to refurbish Chromebooks. See how AZ StRUT is turning donated devices into new beginnings.
A Wrap on Rio Salado MNCP
Over the past two years, AZ StRUT partnered with Rio Salado College to help veterans succeed in the Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program (MNCP).
Through AZ StRUT’s Hardware Techie Experience, 80 veterans across five cohorts received refurbished laptops to support their studies and their careers well beyond graduation.
As this partnership comes to a close, we’re proud of the impact made alongside Rio Salado over these two years, equipping veterans with the tools to launch new careers in microelectronics.
Board Member Spotlight: Patti Schacht
“Being active as a volunteer for various community projects has been important to me my entire career.”
Patti first knew AZ StRUT as a longtime financial donor. In November 2023 she joined the board as a Director at Large, and when Treasurer Charlotte Rauchfuss retired in May 2024, Patti was elected to take her place as Treasurer.
A graduate of the University of the State of New York/Excelsior University with a BSBA in Accounting, Patti has more than 40 years of accounting experience, including 25 years managing multi-million dollar capital projects at PepsiCo/Quaker Oats before she retired.
Throughout her career, Patti has believed in volunteering and giving others a hand up. AZ StRUT’s mission of providing education and refurbished computers to the community while keeping electronics out of landfills lets her keep doing that, using her accounting skills.
Thank you, Patti!
9/11 Day of Service Refurbish-a-thon
For the annual 9/11 Day of Service, AZ StRUT teamed up with JustServe and members of the Mesa East Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to refurbish 300 Chromebooks for the community.
In just 3 hours, all 300 devices were inspected and nearly 200 were fully refurbished, cleaned, and ready to distribute to someone in need.
We expected maybe 25 volunteers — instead, nearly 75 people showed up, spanning all ages from 4 years old and up.
The Phone That Kept Pamela Working
When Pamela’s regular work slowed down, she needed another way to earn income and keep up with her bills. She began working as a delivery contractor — but soon found herself without a phone that could support the job.
Many people assume we only have PCs to offer. But Pamela reached out to us for help, and we were able to provide her with a smartphone so she could continue her delivery work and keep earning an income.
For Pamela, a phone wasn’t just a piece of technology. It was a tool that helped her stay connected to work and support herself during a difficult period.
E-Waste Collection in Holbrook and Show Low
AZ StRUT is partnering with the Navajo County Library District to hold electronics collection events in Holbrook and Show Low on October 12th.
- Holbrook Library — 403 Park Street, collection from 8–10 a.m.
- Show Low Library — 181 N. 9th Street, collection from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Residents of these areas are encouraged to bring in their electronics, working or not. Visit the link below to see which items are accepted.
Corporate Donation from Electronics Recycling
A big thank you to Electronics Recycling for their generous corporate-level donation, building on our shared commitment to responsibly recycling e-waste.
Every dollar collected to get our AZ StRUT license plate on the road brings us one step closer to lasting revenue that fuels our mission for years — and miles — to come!
Want to be part of this exciting fundraiser?
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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.
