Digital Skilling Initiative Launched
The YMCA at Virginia Tech is excited to announce the expansion of its digital skilling and inclusion programs in Blacksburg, VA, thanks to refurbished HP laptops provided through the HP HOPE program. This initiative strengthens access to technology and future-ready skills for young people and community members who face barriers to digital resources.
The refurbished laptops will play a critical role in:
Powering EnginEquity Workshops, which offer hands-on coding and robotics activities using various platforms.
Expanding Access for Minority and Underprivileged Families
By ensuring diverse and underserved communities have equal access to high-quality STEM education, the YMCA fosters a passion for technology and innovation among youth who might otherwise lack these opportunities.
Supporting International Community Outreach
The laptops will enable connections with global partners and deliver digital programming to international families, offering multilingual and culturally responsive content to engage a broader audience.
“At the YMCA, we see every day how access to technology directly affects a young person’s ability to learn, work, and participate in society,” said Ryan Martin, CEO at the YMCA at Virginia Tech. “As the future of work continues to evolve, these devices help ensure young people have the digital skills, confidence, and practical experience they need to navigate a changing world of work and opportunity.”
The laptops provided through HP HOPE, a global initiative promoting digital equity through responsible reuse, will be integrated into the YMCA’s Digital Hubs, community-based programs, and outreach initiatives. By combining access to devices with locally delivered programming, the YMCA at Virginia Tech will reach more learners and strengthen digital inclusion across its community.
This effort is part of a broader global collaboration between the YMCA and HP, supporting digital skilling through 520+ community-based digital hubs in over 23 countries worldwide. The expanded programming at the YMCA at Virginia Tech will launch in February 2026, focusing on youth, jobseekers, migrants, and underserved families.
The YMCA is committed to tracking impact, sharing stories, and celebrating the YMCA-HP partnership through co-branded outreach and community engagement.
About The YMCA at Virginia Tech
The YMCA at Virginia Tech is committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Our programs are designed to provide enriching experiences that foster growth in spirit, mind and body. Established in 1873, the YMCA at Virginia Tech turned 152 years old in 2025.
About World YMCA
YMCA is active in 12,000 communities in 120 countries, employing some 90,000 staff and mobilizing some 920,000 volunteers. It reaches over 60 million people a year. Working collectively under its shared YMCA Vision 2030, it impacts lives through programs and advocacy in four priority areas: Community Wellbeing, Meaningful Work, Sustainable Planet, and Just World. Established in 1844, the YMCA turned 181 years old in 2025.
About HP
HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect with the things that matter most. Present in more than 170 countries, HP offers a broad range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming and more. For more information, visit: http://www.hp.com.
