Benchmark Learning Donates to Partnership Community Services

MINNEAPOLIS, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Benchmark Learning donated more than 950 technical items to Partnership Community Services, which will be returned to people in need at a minimal cost. Eligible recipients include individuals with low incomes or disabilities, non-profit agencies and preschools.

Benchmark Learning had equipment that was no longer needed in their classrooms but could be very valuable to others, so Andrew Riemer, IT Manager, connected with Partnership Community Services.

"We'd rather see these computers in the hands of people who can use them, rather than ending up as scrap," Riemer said.

Items in their donation included computers, routers, keyboards, speakers, cables and furnishings.

Benchmark Learning often upgrades its hardware to keep ahead of changes in the industry, which means pulling older equipment out of service. Machines are also pulled from service if they have any hardware problems, leaving them suitable only for refurbishing.

Partnership Community Services is a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher and hires individuals with barriers to employment to refurbish donated computers. Their refurbishing staff not only gains work experience but also receives training in computer hardware. 

"This valuable education can really help advance their careers, which aligns perfectly with our company's mission to help define and build careers," Riemer said. "Partnership Community Services is introducing individuals and families to the world of computers, providing them with skills that are important in the labor market."

According to Riemer, choosing to donate aging technical equipment is an option every business should consider.

"It's a win-win situation," Riemer said. "Companies need to get rid of their e-waste, and organizations like Partnership Community Services can pick up the equipment and redirect some of that waste to a useful purpose."

He also noted the positive environmental effect of refurbishing rather than disposing of equipment.

"By refurbishing, we can help our community and have less impact on the environment," Riemer said. "If companies have computer systems that are too old for their use, but still have some life in their bones, they should connect with PCS or another refurbisher near them."

Eric Garrison, a Benchmark Learning Director said, "We encourage our employees to be innovators and this is another example of our company culture in action."

About Benchmark Learning

Benchmark Learning provided over 11,180 education experiences to students in 2011 on cutting-edge topics on IT, Development, Business Analysis, Project Management as well as courses for Business Professionals. Our world-class educators teach the skills needed to help define and build individual careers for our students and maximize technology investments for organizations. For more than 35 years, we've been continually improving our offerings, events, assessments, employees, technology and facility. Since 1992, Benchmark Learning has been a certified Microsoft Partner. We distinguished ourselves in the marketplace by becoming the first Microsoft Gold learning partner in North America. Our commitment to excellence and student success has earned us prestigious honors and global recognition as a premier education provider among Citrix and Microsoft communities.

About Partnership Community Services

Partnership Community Services is a non-profit organization based in Chaska, Minnesota that accepts computer donations from businesses and residents. They hire individuals with barriers to employment to refurbish the computers and train them in computer hardware. The computers are then returned to individuals who are low-income or disabled, non-profit agencies and preschools.

In addition, Partnership Community Services offers Assessment, Job Placement and Job Coaching Services for eligible individuals. Visit partnershipcommunityservices.com for more information on donating and refurbishing equipment.

SOURCE Benchmark Learning