Laptop Program Information and Application
Fast Fund at MATC believes every student deserves access to the tools they need to succeed. Our free laptop program is designed for students who cannot afford a computer, making it simple and quick to request a device. By completing a straightforward application, eligible students can receive a laptop at no cost-helping you stay connected, complete your coursework, and reach your academic goals without worrying about technology barriers. Laptops are provided in partnership with United Way and Digital Bridge.
Fast Fund is not supported by nor affiliated with Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). Fast Fund is an independent 501(c)3 run by faculty at the college to support MATC students.
¿Necesitas esta información en español?
Before You Apply
​As a small, faculty-run non-profit, we work closely with MATC to verify student status, ensuring that our support reaches those who need it. By submitting a simple application, eligible students can receive a laptop at no cost-helping you stay connected, complete your coursework, and reach your academic goals without worrying about technology barriers.
​
Fast Fund provides free laptops to current MATC students who need them. To be eligible for a laptop from Fast Fund, you must be actively enrolled as a student at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Fast Fund is designed to help students overcome technical gaps. There are no strict GPA requirements or minimum semester completions needed, though you are required to be a student at MATC in the current semester.
Applying
You can find our application for a free laptop here:
Please Note:
-
The free Laptop program assumes the student is ready to keep and maintain their own laptop device. Fast Fund office does not have the capacity or experience as an IT office. Any upkeep or maintenance on laptop is the student recipient’s responsibility.
-
Note any emails & passwords during laptop set up and maintenance. If student is locked out of device, Fast Fund does not have any way of overriding your personal device.
-
Please report any issues with the hardware or software ASAP. Fast Fund will work on securing a replacement laptop.
-
We only allow one free laptop per student, per lifetime. If laptop is damaged or misplaced under students care, Fast Fund cannot replace it.
After You Apply
Application Review
Once you've submitted your application, the next step is to wait for a reviewer to contact you. Please keep a close eye on both your email and cell phone, as a reviewer may reach out within 48 to 72 hours to discuss your application further. They may need additional information to determine your eligibility for assistance, so it's important to be responsive to any communication from the review team. Prompt responses help ensure that you receive the support you need as quickly as possible.
Application Approval Or Denial
If your application is approved:
-
Check your Email!
-
A survey from our partner, Digital Bridge, will be included in this email. Survey must be filled out prior to pick up.
-
-
Pick your laptop up in our office!
-
Enter the office and state “I am here to pick up a laptop”
-
State first and last name & check on Digital Bridge survey completion
-
The laptop will be “signed out” by the individual picking up the laptop
-
-
​If you are unable to make it into our office during business hours please send us an email so we can coordinate the best way for you to receive your laptop.​
If your application is waitlisted:
​Unfortunately, we do not have an endless supply of laptops, when you submitted your application, we unfortunately did not have a sufficient amount at the time. Please keep a close eye on your email for updates, as we will notify you if additional devices become available.
If your application is denied:
Based on your application you have been denied due to one of the following factors:​
-
You have already received a laptop through our program.
-
Your reported income exceeds the maximum threshold for eligibility.
-
Our review indicates you already possess a device (such as an iPad, an additional laptop, or a desktop computer) that adequately addresses your technology needs.
If you believe this decision was made in error or if your circumstances have changed, please contact us to discuss your situation further.
Thank you to our partners at United Way and Digital Bridge for helping us help you!
