About Laptops for Learners
At Made New Makerspace, we are committed to bridging the digital divide and providing equal opportunities for all youth. Our Laptops for Learners program aims to empower individuals by offering free refurbished laptops to children from low-income and foster care settings.
If you are a parent, caregiver, or guardian of a young person in need of laptop technology but you can’t afford it, we’re here to help.
How To Apply
There are five steps in the process of receiving a laptop from Made New Makerspace for your child:
Complete the Program Application
The first step in the program is to fill out the laptop program application. Note: the parent or guardian of the child in need of technology must complete the application. Applications submitted by youth will not be granted.
When the program is accepting applications, the application form will be available at the bottom of this page. Those without technology to apply on their own may go to Digital Express, located at building 10 on the Metro Community College Fort Omaha campus. If you would prefer to complete a paper application, you may do so at Made New Makerspace. Call us at 402-739-9546 to set up an appointment to come in.
BEFORE you complete the application, please read through all of the terms at the very bottom of this page to make sure you agree with everything listed.
Wait For Approval
After submitting your application, it goes over to our review panel. Our team reviews applications with care and discretion. Priority is given to those with demonstrated need, and we strive to distribute laptops to individuals who will benefit the most from this support. Sometimes during this step we may ask applicants to provide additional information.
Applicants who are approved will typically hear back either through email or a phone call within a week or two of applying.
Sign Up For a Laptops For Learners Workshop Date
Upon approval of their application, the parent or guardian will need to sign up for their Laptops for Learners workshop date. It is required that the child receiving the laptop and a parent or guardian attend this free workshop.
A parent or guardian may sign up for the workshop on the Made New Makerspace website, or by calling 402-739-9546. Workshops will be available in the evenings so youth may be present.
Attend the Workshop
Both a parent/guardian and the child receiving the laptop will need to attend the Laptops for Learners workshop on the date that you scheduled. At this workshop, you will learn more about other offerings from Made New Makerspace, as well as information on how to maintain and effectively use the laptop. This workshop will last approximately one hour.
Pick Up Your Laptop
Recipients who complete the workshop successfully will be given their laptop at the end of the workshop. Along with the laptop, they will receive papers that contain information on Made New Makerspace and how to get involved with other programs we offer.
Program Guidelines
DEFINITIONS:
Applicant – The adult who is completing the scholarship application
Recipient – The youth who will own/most directly directly benefit from the laptop if a scholarship is awarded
1) Applicant requirements:
The laptop scholarship application must be completed by an adult, defined in Nebraska as a person aged 19 or older, or a court-emancipated youth. Submissions by minors will not be accepted. Applicant should be one of the following:
a) A parent who is applying for this scholarship on behalf of their minor child(ren).
b) An adult who is legally responsible for the laptop recipient. This could include but is not limited to guardian, foster parent, case worker, social worker, etc.
c) A young adult (under 23 years old) who will be the recipient of the laptop scholarship.
d) An emancipated youth (court records showing emancipation will be required).
2) Laptop specifications:
If the scholarship is approved, the recipient will be issued one (1) refurbished laptop from Made New Makerspace. Laptop models and specifications will vary and are not guaranteed. However, typically these computers will have at least these specifications: Windows 10 operating system, 8GB RAM, 150GB Internal storage, Intel i5 processor. In addition, all laptops come with 3 month replacement service if hardware fails.
3) Internet access:
We do not include internet access by default with our laptop scholarship. However, laptop applicants who are applying for a minor child in school and indicate that they do not have internet access at home will be given the opportunity to apply for a 4G LTE cellular hotspot from Made New Makerspace and US Cellular. These hotspots include no-cost internet service through June 2025. Because these hotspots are intended to be used for educational purposes, they have the following restrictions:
a) The hotspot blocks all gaming connections (e.g. Xbox live, Nintendo Switch Online, etc…)
b) The hotspot blocks all movie and TV streaming platforms (e.g. Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube TV, etc…)
c) The hotspot is loaded with CIPA-compliant filtering that blocks adult sites and sites deemed inappropriate for minors
These restrictions are hard-wired into the hotspot and cannot be disabled.
4) Eligibility:
Each scholarship is awarded on a case-by-case basis, however, there are some guidelines we follow when granting requests. These are:
a) Recipient (a child or young adult 23 years or younger) is the primary user of the laptop.
b) Recipient’s household is considered low-income status according to HUD income standards.
c) Special circumstances in the recipient’s life place them at risk for failure (e.g. foster youth/former foster youth, system involved, school challenges).
d) Recipient does not have access to other resources or similar technology in their home.
Additionally, Made New Makerspace and its representatives may set or remove any guidelines at their discretion.
5) Mandatory Training:
Prior to being given a laptop, eligible recipients must attend Made New Makerspace’s Laptops for Learners workshop. If you are determined to be eligible to receive a laptop, we will reach out to you to schedule a time that works best for you to take this training. Laptops will be distributed at the end of the class.
6) Non-sale of laptops:
The applicant must agree that if their recipient is chosen to receive a laptop, they will not sell the laptop or ask someone else to sell it on their behalf. If a recipient no longer needs a laptop, they can give it away to another person in need or donate it back to Made New Makerspace to benefit another recipient.
7) Limitations:
Due to high demand, laptops are limited to one per home or family. Additionally, if two or more qualifying recipients are closely related or otherwise in a relationship, only one will be granted a scholarship, regardless of whether or not they live at the same location. Other limitations may be placed on scholarships at the sole discretion of Made New Makerspace and/or the scholarship approval panel.
8) Confidentiality:
Personally identifiable information such as names and addresses shared through this form are treated as confidential information and will not be shared publicly. Within Made New Makerspace, only the Executive Director and members of the scholarship approval panel have access to these records. Demographic data collected and general locations of service recipients may shared, but will never be attached to recipient or applicant identity information.
9) Use of Media:
From time to time, Made New Makerspace uses photos of its service recipients on materials. If your family has been selected to receive a laptop, you consent to the use of quotes and the taking of photographs and video while at the Made New Makerspace facility or participating in Made New Makerspace activities. You also grant the right to edit, use, and reuse media for nonprofit purposes including use in print, on the internet, and all other forms of media. You also release Made New Makerspace and its agents and employees from all claims, demands, and liabilities whatsoever in connection with the above.
10) Acceptance of terms:
By submitting the form, the applicant agrees to all terms listed.
Laptop Application
Laptop applications are now open! Please complete your application on the form below, and we will reach out to you as soon as possible. Thanks!
IMPORTANT: After pressing the submit button on the form, you may need to scroll up to the top of the form to complete an anti-spam verification.