As students across the country head back to the classroom, data reveals that a staggering 1.16 million (19%) young people lack access to a laptop or desktop computer in their home – including 400,000 Aussies who are high school age and above.
With schools across the country having or rolling out mandatory ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD) requirements, insufficient access to technology can interfere with students’ ability to learn and keep up with homework. In fact, digital inclusion is increasingly important for educational outcomes, with one report noting students who have positive homework behaviour, have a higher chance of completing Year 12 and increasing their likelihood of entering the workforce.
To support children’s charity, The Smith Family’s work, to create equal opportunities for disadvantaged young people, 2,000 devices are being donated by Deloitte, through not-for-profit WorkVentures and the National Device Bank.
“Device donation programs have long supported communities facing digital gaps. With 1.2 million young people experiencing digital inequity, scaling donations is essential,” CEO of WorkVentures, Caroline McDaid told The Educator.
“Our National Device Bank aims to secure multi‑year commitments from companies and governments, and we are targeting one million donation pledges from the 10 million devices refreshed every five years.”
McDaid said this is a sustainable alternative to devices being e‑wasted or remarketed overseas.
“Together with Good360 and Good Things Australia, WorkVentures has a network of 6 thousand Not-For-Profits to distribute the devices,” she said. “Drawing on successful models from Canada and the UK, we are confident this approach will have a meaningful impact in Australia.”
McDaid said impact measurement is critical for the National Device Bank, noting that WorkVentures project in 2024 revealed that 84% of students lacking adequate device access were falling behind.
“After nine months, 97% reported using their devices for schoolwork and eight in ten experienced an uplift in grades,” she said. “We tracked not only academic progress but also digital engagement and skill development.”
McDaid said that by utilising both quantitative surveys and qualitative case studies, and incorporating feedback from educators and independent evaluators, WorkVentures ensures that its insights remain robust and transparent.
“Ongoing monitoring and data‑driven adjustments will continue to refine the Device Bank, ensuring it effectively supports student success.”
Looking ahead, McDaid said the National Device Bank will evolve into “a one‑stop digital platform” for NFPs to access devices, connectivity and digital skills support for students.
“We partner with initiatives such as the School Student Broadband Initiative and free telco mobile data programs to deliver internet to eligible families,” she said, adding that every refurbished device includes phone and chat technical support plus a growing range of age‑appropriate e‑safety and digital content.
“We work with our NFP partners to develop tailored digital literacy programmes and workshops and will be exploring ways to expand upon this content and make it available through the National Device Bank.”