Using Students and Volunteers Schools, districts, or technology personnel may directly, or with corporate assistance, capitalize on the interest and motivation of students or outside volunteers to provide technology support. Numerous schools and districts have utilized students—sometimes as early as sixth grade— to provide support services such as routine maintenance, troubleshooting, restocking supplies, and even working with teachers to better understand software applications. In some places, students have seen the need for better support and taken the matter into their own hands. Some schools have computer clubs where technologically inclined students can explore their interest under the supervision of a staff member or volunteer. The students gain marketable skills and the school gains maintenance and repair services for its equipment. Volunteers may donate time to help maintain school networks or recondition and repair older computers. In Silicon Valley, the Computer Recycling Center has donated over a thousand reconstructed computers to the San Francisco Unified School District and local teachers. The computers were made of parts discarded by businesses. Volunteers, under the direction of Mark Hass, also provide low-cost maintenance and help train teachers. 22 When choosing to use outside volunteers for support, determine the required level of involvement, the potential benefits for your students, the imposed software or platform limitations, as well as any financial concerns. Take care that your plan provides the best fit and maximum benefit for both your school or district and the support providers.