The Virginia Student Training and Refurbishment (VA STAR) program – in partnership with the Virginia Beach Education Foundation – refurbishes donated computers for distribution to students from some of the city’s neediest families.

Students in the Computer Systems Technology class at the Advanced Technology Center reburbish donated computer equipment from individuals, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, state agencies and private companies. They will work toward earning industry-standard certifications, which can pave the way for both higher education and well-paying jobs.

Who is eligible to receive a computer?
Students are chosen via an application process. School staff, such as teachers or counselors, can recommend a child for the program, or a parent or guardian can submit an application directly to the Office of Strategic Communications. To be eligible for selection, families must meet these criteria:

• The student must be currently enrolled in a Virginia Beach City Public School.
• The family must not have a functioning desktop or laptop computer at home.
• A parent or guardian must attend a brief informational session when the computer is received.