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From Side Hustle to Impactful Nonprofit: How a Teenager Built a $1.6M Organization Bridging the Digital Divide!




At just 15, Dylan Zajac transformed a small side hustle into Computers 4 People, a nonprofit dedicated to closing the digital divide. Today, at 21 and a senior at Babson College, Dylan’s journey is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the power of giving back.

From Hobby to Hustle

Dylan’s story began in Brooklyn, NY, where he and his friends frequented thrift stores, hunting for discarded electronics. By refurbishing and reselling computers on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, Dylan turned his bedroom into a bustling tech repair hub. With profit margins as high as 80%, what started as a hobby quickly became a thriving business.

A Shift in Purpose

While succeeding in his resale venture, Dylan noticed two pressing issues: the environmental toll of e-waste and the lack of access to computers for underserved communities. Determined to make a difference, he launched Computers 4 People in 2019. As a high school sophomore, Dylan learned to file for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, draft bylaws, and design a sustainable model—all on his own.

Challenges and Growth

Running a nonprofit while balancing school wasn’t easy. Dylan established systems for inventory, donor management, and grant reporting to ensure sustainability. Partnering with Fortune 100 and 500 companies, he secured equipment donations and diversified funding streams through grants and individual donations. His efforts not only scaled the organization but also addressed the growing demand for services.

Transformative Impact

Computers 4 People has achieved remarkable milestones:

Donated over 3,600 computers to individuals and organizations in need.

Diverted 55,000 pounds of e-waste from landfills.

Raised $1.6 million through grants and donations.

Empowered thousands to access education, secure employment, and participate in the digital world.


Key Takeaways for Aspiring Changemakers

Dylan’s success underscores the importance of acting quickly, prioritizing community needs, and building a skilled, complementary team. His hands-on approach—learning operations, filing paperwork, and managing logistics—was instrumental in turning his vision into reality.

A Mission That Inspires

For Dylan, the most fulfilling part of his work is seeing its impact. Every computer donated represents an opportunity for someone to learn, connect, and grow in today’s digital world. What started as a teenager’s side hustle has become a thriving nonprofit, proving that small beginnings can lead to significant change when driven by passion and purpose.

Takeaway: Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or changemaker, Dylan’s story shows that with vision, persistence, and a focus on community, you can build something extraordinary—and make a lasting difference.

If you find this helpful and want to support me directly, why not ?buymeacoffee.com/Kabir1989 Thanks so much, and good luck!


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