ACCESS Academy students refurbish computers to serve their community

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When Raihan Mahmood joined George Mason University's Accelerated College and Employability Skills (ACCESS) Academy, he was looking for more than a traditional high school experience. Drawn to the opportunity to earn college credit, collaborate with industry professionals, and engage in authentic learning experiences, Mahmood quickly found himself making a real difference.

ACCESS Academy students setting up laptops for Loudoun County Public Schools. Photo provided

This spring, a computer refurbishment project challenged ACCESS Academy students to prepare 100 used laptops for distribution to Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) graduating seniors and other learners in need. Mahmood jumped on the project, excited to have an opportunity to combine his technical skills with helping others.

Mahmood and the other students installed operating systems, reimaged devices, and ensured the computers were functioning properly so they could be distributed.

The work required careful attention to detail. Every device had to be tested and verified, making quality control one of the most challenging aspects of the process. Along the way, students gained valuable technical skills.

The project also reflected the core mission of ACCESS Academy, which emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications. The academy is an innovative partnership between George Mason's College of Education and Human Development, LCPS, and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) based in Northern Virginia for students in grades 9-12. This program is designed to give students a no-cost alternative educational pathway that expands access to information technology (IT) education and skills essential for IT careers.

The opportunity allowed students to help their community while learning technical skills. Photo provided

"For ACCESS Academy students, opportunities like these provide meaningful exposure to professional environments and help build the technical, communication, and problem-solving skills needed for future careers," said Jeremy Shughart, ACCESS Academy coordinator for LCPS. "This was an incredible opportunity for our students to apply their skills in a real-world setting while supporting and connecting with local Loudoun County students."

Unlike traditional classroom assignments, the refurbishment project allowed students to see the direct impact of their work while gaining experience that is already shaping their future interests and career goals.

Mahmood said one of the biggest surprises about ACCESS Academy has been how quickly students become immersed in real-world projects and college-level coursework. The experience reinforced an important lesson about the role technology plays in education and everyday life. Mahmood believes access to technology is essential for learning, communication, and collaboration, and he hopes the students who receive the computers will be able to use them to pursue their educational goals and opportunities.

Hands-on learning is a key tenet of ACCESS Academy. Photo provided

"Seeing the laptops being distributed was probably the moment I felt most proud," Mahmood said. "We were able to take something we worked on and put it directly into the hands of people who could benefit from it."

More than anything, he hopes his experience demonstrates what students can accomplish when they are trusted with meaningful opportunities.

"Even high school students can make a difference if they are given the right opportunity," he said.

For Mahmood and his ACCESS Academy classmates, the project was more than simply repairing laptops. It was discovering the power of applying their skills to solve real problems, support their communities, and create opportunities for others.

Learn more about ACCESS Academy

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