From Side Hustle to $1.6M Nonprofit: Dylan Zajac’s Journey
Access to technology has become essential for education, employment, and social interaction. Yet, for millions, the digital divide remains a stark barrier to opportunity. Dylan Zajac, a senior at Babson College, recognized this disparity early on. What began as a high school side hustle—repairing and selling old computers—evolved into Computers 4 People, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap in digital access while tackling the growing problem of e-waste. Today, the organization has raised over $1.6 million, donated more than 2,500 refurbished computers, and impacted over 10,000 individuals.
The inception of an entrepreneurial idea
Dylan Zajac’s entrepreneurial story began with a keen eye for opportunity. At 15, he purchased old, underperforming computers from thrift stores, repaired them, and sold them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and eBay. What started as a way to earn extra money quickly revealed deeper issues. Zajac encountered families struggling to afford technology and saw the environmental toll of discarded electronics.
E-waste is a global issue, with over 50 million metric tons generated annually, much of which ends up in landfills. Meanwhile, the lack of affordable technology prevents many individuals and communities from accessing education, jobs, and essential services. These observations inspired Zajac to transition his venture from profit-driven sales to Computers 4 People, a nonprofit committed to redistributing refurbished computers to those in need.
Computers 4 People’s mission and impact
Computers 4 People operates with a simple yet impactful mission: to provide refurbished technology to underserved communities. The organization collects used computers from businesses, schools, and individuals, refurbishes them, and donates the devices to families and nonprofits in need.
To date, the nonprofit has donated over 2,500 computers, positively impacting more than 10,000 lives. From helping students complete school assignments to empowering nonprofits with technology, the impact is both tangible and far-reaching.
Partnerships play a crucial role in the organization’s success. Collaborations with tech firms, local governments, and recycling companies ensure a steady flow of donations and resources.
Challenges and the road ahead
Despite its success, Computers 4 People faces significant hurdles. Managing the logistics of collecting, refurbishing, and distributing computers is resource-intensive. Many donated devices require extensive repairs, while funding remains an ongoing challenge for scaling operations.
The nonprofit has ambitious goals for the future, including expanding its geographic reach and introducing digital literacy training to complement its hardware donations. By equipping recipients with skills to use technology effectively, the organization aims to maximize its impact. Additionally, Computers 4 People plans to advocate for public policies that promote affordable technology and universal internet access, highlighting these as fundamental rights in the digital age.
Dylan Zajac’s journey offers lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Starting small and focusing on immediate, actionable goals can lead to scalable success. Building strong partnerships, adapting to challenges, and aligning business goals with social impact are also key strategies.
For Zajac, success lies in making a difference—reducing e-waste and bridging the digital divide one computer at a time. His story proves that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for change, inspiring the next generation of innovators to pursue both profit and purpose.
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