Vantage West Credit Union and College Bound AZ Turn E-Waste into Scholarships & College Access

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on April 27, 2026

Vantage West Credit Union and College Bound AZ, nonprofit dedicated to helping underrepresented students access and succeed in higher education, have a new partnership transforming discarded electronics into scholarships, laptops, and critical college support for underserved students across Metro Phoenix. The initiative diverts e-waste from landfills while converting corporate technology donations into direct educational impact for first-generation college students.

Electronic waste, or e-waste, is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, with millions of tons discarded each year. These items, from computers and phones to household electronics, often contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment if not properly recycled. At the same time, they hold valuable components that can be recovered and repurposed. College Bound AZ’s initiative tackles both challenges, keeping e-waste out of landfills while transforming it into a powerful driver of educational opportunity.

College Bound AZ delivers its college access programming in partnership with East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), where hundreds of career and technical education students prepare for both college and workforce pathways. “This initiative turns yesterday’s technology into tomorrow’s opportunity,” said Elizabeth Paulus, Executive Director of College Bound AZ. “Every laptop we refurbish represents a student gaining the tools to succeed in college, and for many of our students at EVIT, it’s the bridge between career training and a successful transition into college and the workforce.”

One of the program’s leading supporters, Vantage West Credit Union, has stepped forward to help launch this effort through its donation of e-waste. In the first pickup coordinated as part of this new collaboration, Vantage West contributed more than 10,000 pounds of electronic waste, demonstrating the powerful impact businesses can have through responsible disposal. In addition to advancing environmental sustainability, the program offers a meaningful way for companies to give back — turning surplus technology into tax-deductible contributions that directly support student success. College Bound AZ has partnered with Bits n’ Bytes Computers, a trusted recycler that handles all collection and responsible processing of donated electronics.

Most importantly, each donation helps ensure that College Bound AZ students, many of whom are first-generation and enrolled at EVIT, have access to reliable technology as they transition from high school into college and career training programs.

“At Vantage West, we are committed to strengthening the communities we serve,” said Rosanna Ramirez, PR and Market Developer at Vantage West. “This partnership allows us to reduce environmental impact while directly investing in the future of local students. It’s a powerful example of how businesses can make a meaningful difference.”

As College Bound AZ expands its work with EVIT students, the Tech for Tomorrow initiative serves as both a sustainability solution and a workforce readiness investment — aligning technology access with Arizona’s growing demand for skilled, credentialed talent.

Posted in Arizona, Regional Member News.