The YMCA at Virginia Tech has announced the launch/expansion of its digital skilling and inclusion programs in Blacksburg, strengthening access to technology and future-ready skills for young people and community members through refurbished laptops provided via the HP HOPE program.
The devices will be integrated into The YMCA at Virginia Tech’s Digital Hubs, community-based programs, and outreach initiatives, supporting digital literacy, workforce readiness, and learning opportunities for individuals who face barriers to accessing technology.
“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.”
Through its digital skilling programs, the YMCA at Virginia Tech supports participants in building foundational digital skills, exploring education and employment pathways, and developing confidence using technology in safe, supportive community spaces.
The refurbished laptops are provided through HP HOPE, a global initiative that supports digital equity by extending the life of quality technology through responsible reuse. By combining access to devices with locally delivered programming, the YMCA at Virginia Tech is able to reach more learners and strengthen digital inclusion across its community.
This initiative forms part of the broader global collaboration between the YMCA and HP, which supports digital skilling and inclusion through more than 520 community-based digital hubs across over 23 countries worldwide.
“The YMCA at Virginia Tech is excited to announce the expansion of its community programming beginning in February 2026 with the next session of EnginEquity, a free, hands‑on coding and robotics workshop for youth,” the YMCA announced. “This four‑week program will utilize the HP HOPE laptops to support participants as they explore coding concepts and learn to program robots through guided, creative activities.”
Families can register their child for this no‑cost opportunity at: https://vtymca.org/programs/engineequity/.
In addition to youth programming, the YMCA is developing new digital literacy workshops for adults. Session dates and details will be announced soon.
YMCA at Virginia Tech
