- Send Us Email info@ctrlshiftproject.org
Give a Student the Technology to Keep Learning.
CTRL Shift is preparing 24 Chicago students for our March 2027 Tech Accelerator. Help us make sure every student has a reliable laptop to use throughout the program and keep when it ends.
Help Us Equip 24 Students
Technology access shouldn't end when class ends.
During CTRL Shift's 12-week Tech Accelerator, students will use technology to explore AI, build practical digital skills, complete hands-on projects, and discover new possibilities for their futures.
At the end of the program, students keep their laptops so they can continue learning, creating, exploring AI, and developing their technology skills at home.
Sponsor a Student — $500
A $500 Student Technology Sponsorship provides one CTRL Shift student with a complete technology package for the program and beyond.
Your Sponsorship Provides
- Laptop computer
- Wireless mouse
- Laptop carrying bag
- Setup and configuration
The student keeps the complete technology package after the program so they can continue their AI and technology journey at home.
Student Technology Sponsor Recognition
- Sponsor recognition sticker with your name or business name placed on the student's laptop
- Recognition on the CTRL Shift website
- Recognition in one CTRL Shift newsletter
- Recognition at the student project presentation and celebration
- One invitation to the final student showcase
- Opportunity to provide a personal letter of encouragement to the student
- Personal thank-you letter from the student at the end of the program sharing a little about what they learned or created
Donate a Laptop
Have a quality laptop you're no longer using? It could become an important learning tool for a CTRL Shift student. We're accepting like-new or gently used laptops that can support students throughout the Tech Accelerator and continue serving them for years afterward.
Individual Laptop Donor Recognition
- Donor recognition sticker with your name placed on the student's laptop
- Recognition on the CTRL Shift website
- Recognition in one CTRL Shift newsletter
- One invitation to the final student showcase and celebration
Quality Matters
Every computer provided to a student should be something they'll be proud to own and capable of supporting their continued technology and AI learning.
CTRL Shift will review donated laptops before acceptance to make sure they meet both our technical and physical-condition standards.
Laptop Requirements
- Like-new or gently used condition
- Clean and well maintained with minimal cosmetic wear
- Windows 11 compatible
- Minimum 8 GB RAM
- 256 GB SSD or larger
- Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5, or equivalent processor
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Working webcam and microphone
- Fully functional keyboard, trackpad, screen, and ports
- Battery capable of holding a reasonable charge
- Free of cracks, broken components, major scratches, dents, or other significant cosmetic or physical damage
- Power adapter/charger included
Don't Worry About Preparing the Laptop
Remove any personal files you'd like to keep and sign out of your personal accounts. CTRL Shift will reset, configure, and prepare qualifying laptops before they are provided to students. Not sure whether your laptop qualifies? Submit the manufacturer, model number, and whatever information you have, and our team will review it.
Corporate Laptop Donations
Your company's previous technology can help create the next generation of technology talent. Businesses and organizations replacing quality employee computers can donate multiple qualifying laptops and put that technology directly into the hands of Chicago students.
For sponsorship-recognition purposes, CTRL Shift assigns $400 in sponsorship credit for each qualifying laptop donated.
When the total sponsorship credit meets or exceeds one of CTRL Shift's existing corporate sponsorship levels, your organization receives the recognition and benefits associated with that level. Corporate laptop donations must meet the same technical and physical-condition standards listed above.
| CTRL Shift Sponsorship Level | Laptops Required |
|---|---|
| $1,000 — Founding Student Partner | 3 laptops |
| $2,500 — Community Technology Partner | 7 laptops |
| $5,000 — Program Partner | 13 laptops |
| $10,000 — Technology Impact Partner | 25 laptops |
Corporate laptop partners also receive a company recognition sticker placed on each donated laptop provided to a student.
CTRL Shift will work directly with your organization to review available equipment, confirm eligibility, determine the applicable sponsorship level, and coordinate the donation.
Help Us Put Technology in the Hands of 24 Students
Our goal is to equip all 24 students in the March 2027 CTRL Shift Tech Accelerator with the technology they need to participate fully in the program and continue learning after it ends. Sponsor a student's complete technology package, donate a quality laptop, or involve your company in a larger technology donation.