First Time Computers’ mission is to empower low-income residents by building their computer resources and facilitating their Internet access.

We seek to provide pathways out of poverty. Access to computers and the Internet help people further their education, gain job skills, and find employment prospects. But without the basic resources and tools, low-income populations miss out on these opportunities.

Therefore, we:

 »  refurbish computers and puts them into the hands of low-income families and individuals;

 »  create computer labs for local nonprofits with education and employment programs for youth and adults; and

 »  provide laptops for college-bound, low-income youth to ensure that our students are well equipped for success.

First Time Computers was founded in 2003 by Lowell Dodge, a former public interest attorney. What began as hobby in Lowell’s basement, developed into a 501(c)3 nonprofit that refurbishes approximately 2000 computers a year and is helping low income, Washington DC residents bridge the digital divide.

We are a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher and our staff come from the communities we serve.

 »  Terry Shea, President, IT-sector turnaround specialist

 »  Edan Lichtenstein, Vice President, Technology and triple-bottom line business consultant

 »  Christine D. Berg, Secretary/Treasurer, Entrepreneur, and concerned activist

 »  William A. Davis, Jr., Real estate developer specializing in pro bono public projects;

 »  Ted Frazier, Information technology professional

 »  Stephen Gross, Former administrative law judge

 »  Hannah Miller, Law student/Health policy analyst

Former Board Members remaining as Advisors:

 »  Jules O’Rear, scientist, Food and Drug Administration

 »  David Rubenstein, nonprofit Executive Director

 »  Kat Song, a media consultant