Free Laptop Programs by State
State and local digital equity initiatives, region-specific nonprofits, library systems, and universities — organized by where you live.
How State-Level Programs Work
While federal programs like Lifeline operate nationwide, state and local digital equity initiatives are often administered through a decentralized network of organizations. This means the resources available to you depend heavily on where you live.
When searching for programs in your state, keep the following in mind:
- Local Nonprofits & Refurbishers: Many states have regional nonprofits that take donated corporate computers, refurbish them, and distribute them to low-income residents (e.g., PCs for People or Human-I-T).
- Library Lending Programs: City and county library systems frequently offer short-term laptop and hotspot lending programs. A library card is usually the only requirement.
- State-Specific Grants: Some states run their own digital equity grants, which fund local community centers, schools, and workforce boards to distribute devices.
Preparation Checklist
Before applying to any organization listed on your state's page, make sure you have standard documentation ready. Most programs require: a valid Photo ID, and either Proof of Income (like a recent tax return) or Proof of Government Assistance (like a SNAP/EBT card, Medicaid letter, or SSI award letter).
California→
Home to the California Digital Equity Program (CalDEP), a strong nonprofit refurbisher presence (Human-I-T, PCs for People, Komputers 4 R Kids), and multiple city-level digital equity initiatives in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area.
Texas→
Served by Compudopt distribution events, Human-I-T (35+ state coverage), and a large WIOA workforce network through the Texas Workforce Commission's 28 local boards.
New York→
Home to NYC Connected Communities (NYC-CC) and the Brooklyn Public Library laptop loan program, plus strong statewide Human-I-T coverage.
Florida→
Base of operations for The On It Foundation (Miami) and One Laptop per Child's U.S. office, plus the Miami-Dade Public Library mobile device lending program.
Georgia→
One of the most library-tech-forward states in the country, with 9,000+ public computers and widespread Chromebook lending across the Georgia Public Library Service network, plus active Compudopt distribution events.
Washington→
The Seattle Public Library runs one of the more comprehensive digital equity programs in the country, with FlexTech laptops, hotspot lending, and free statewide digital literacy training.
Massachusetts→
Boston Public Library's Long-Term Device Lending Program is one of the largest city-run laptop distribution efforts in the country, with 3,200+ Chromebooks already deployed to residents.
Pennsylvania→
Home to the Free Library of Philadelphia's Digital Navigator program and PHLConnectED/PHLDonateTech initiatives, plus Grove City College and Seton Hall-style university laptop programs in-state.
Illinois→
Served by Compudopt distribution events and Human-I-T's 35+ state refurbisher network, with strong nationwide nonprofit coverage available to residents statewide.
Don't See Your State?
The nonprofit organizations and government programs featured throughout this site — including PCs for People, Human-I-T, Computers with Causes, and Lifeline — serve most or all 50 states. Visit the full organization directory or use the Laptop Finder Tool to find options regardless of your location.