Virgina Teen Finds New Life for Used Tech

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Chris Qian. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

According to the National Center of Education Statistics, 17% of American students lack reliable access to personal computers. As a volunteer for an online tutoring program Chris Qian sees why this matters firsthand; many of his students have difficulty attending lessons.

“Education is such a fundamental right for children, yet the reality for millions across the globe is that their lack of technology is hampering it,” Chris says. “Even an old $300 laptop can open up a world of opportunities.”

In 2024, inspired to address the digital divide, Chris founded ReTech for Kids and started collecting devices companies and individuals were replacing with newer tech or throwing out. Then, he refurbished them to give to students in need via partner nonprofits and schools.

Chris isn’t a Google engineer or a computer science student—yet. He’s a 17-year-old high school junior who built his first computer in 6^th grade when he used his pandemic downtime to teach himself through online tutorials and public forums.

These days, he has a team of 30 student volunteers helping him fix and upgrade everything from desktops and laptops to phones and tablets. With more than 30 partnerships, every device is useful. Some volunteers arrive with prior knowledge, but many learn valuable technical skills through Chris’ monthly refurbishment workshops while contributing to the social good. Together, they’ve revamped 1,100 devices valued at $103,000 for students across 7 states and two countries.

“One of our goals is to mitigate educational disparities,” Chris emphasizes. “But the other goal is to reduce electronic waste, the fastest growing solid waste stream in the world. So many people throw away their old devices, when in reality, there’s a lot of life left in them.”

ReTech for Kids has kept over 3,000lbs of electronic waste from landfills.

Aside from organizing and leading workshops, Chris plans fundraisers to cover the costs associated with necessary tools and shipping devices. So far, they’ve raised $4,500 by partnering with Virginia Commonwealth University to host campuswide campaigns and events like bake sales—Chris is a big fan of cooking. They’ve even sold food at big events around Richmond, like the Lunar New Year Festival with over 2,000 attendees. But that’s not all.

“I also recruit high school volunteers to expand our organization,” he notes.

Juanjuan Xue, a teacher at Central Virginia Chinese School where Chris has been learning Chinese for nearly six years, has been a volunteer and mentor since the organization started. She lends behind-the-scenes and logistics support along with advice.

“I never did that kind of work when I was Chris’ age,” she recollects. “What really motivated me [to help] was seeing young people taking the lead in solving such a big challenge. I was really inspired by the work they were doing. They spend the weekends refurbishing laptops and helping the community.”

With hard work and dedication—about 10 hours a week—Chris is changing lives. Put simply, he finds the results rewarding.

“I’ve been able to see the impact my work has had on people firsthand, and it’s made me more appreciative of the things that I have. It’s also just a great way to connect with people,” he says.

One beneficiary who won a ReTech for Kids writing contest made a particularly strong impression. Chosen from 50 submissions, a ninth-grader named Chase won a $1000 laptop. He had always wanted to be a programmer, and this device is helping him pursue that.

“Sometimes, it can be really easy to get sucked into your own bubble where you go to school, come back home and live in an environment removed from the rest from the world,” Chris admits. “But we exist in a much larger community, a much larger society, and people have vastly different experiences and circumstances. Volunteering broadens your perspective.”

Looking ahead, Chris hopes to increase ReTech for Kids’ geographical reach.

“We’ve expanded to seven states and two countries, but the digital divide is much more prevalent in other nations. In Haiti, for example, the majority of students do not have reliable access to technology,” he states.

Currently, workshops are only in Richmond, but he’s also considering implementing a chapter model where interested students could lead them in their own communities. It would reduce shipping costs, too.

“I hope ReTech for Kids becomes a model for schools in other places across the US to address digital equity,” Juanjuan muses.

Part of Chris’ success stems from his ability to get others to join his mission.  He has found many eager volunteers to help lead the organization and ensure its survival.

“I’ve come to realize just how willing people are to help. Originally, I was unsure this was something other students would be willing or excited to dedicate their time to. But I’ve come to realize how generous people are with their time and effort,” he says with appreciation.

Chris is thinking about his own future, too, and is looking for a way to combine his computer skills with environmental science. He’s already leveraged his skills to code an app that helps people identify what trash is recyclable and what isn’t.

“Chris is a very kind, responsible and organized young man. He’s become a natural leader in his community,” Juanjuan highlights. “Outside of ReTech for Kids, he’s also an Eagle Scout. He’s done a lot of eco projects. He’s actively involved in other service activities, like food banks.”

With innovative ideas and the initiative and know-how to implement them, his future is full of possibilities. Something he will carry with him is his willingness and enjoyment of helping others along the way.

“As technology continues to innovate at a rapid pace, it’s easy to focus on the newest and most exciting developments,” he empathizes. “However, I urge people to think about the ones left behind by that progress, people who can’t afford the latest and greatest. My story is about bridging that gap by rethinking how we can use what we already have, and reminding people that anyone, no matter their age, can make a difference.”

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Chris? Find local volunteer opportunities.