Technology Access Program (TAP)

Technology Access Program (TAP)

TAP is a community outreach arm of the Tellico Village Computer Users Club. It was founded and chartered to provide complete computer systems, at no cost, to families and individuals who cannot otherwise afford them. These systems enable economically disadvantaged students to better compete with their peers, which is especially important during the COVID pandemic.

TAP solicits depreciated business and personal computer equipment that is being replaced, then refurbishes and upgrades this equipment as necessary to meet performance standards. Upgrades include fresh memory components, a current operating system, and extensive utilities to make the systems fully functional. TAP donates these completed systems to families and individuals who could not otherwise afford them. TAP is supported in this endeavor by the host, Tellico Village Computer Users Club, as well as the United Way, Kiwanis, The Good Neighbor Shoppe, and other charities and foundations.

Established in 2007, TAP has refurbished and donated more than 11,000 completely functional computer systems, assisting more than 15,000 children throughout East Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia. As an illustration, TAP, with the assistance of the Kiwanis organization, donated more than 50 computer systems to families devastated by the tornadoes in 2021 and was able to do so with only a few days' notice.

TAP only requires partnering organizations to identify the size of the need and to assist with the transportation and distribution of completed systems to give children and youth an opportunity to flourish.