Kapco Cares Proposal

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................... 2
THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERNET ACCESS IN THE 21ST CENTURY ..... 2
PROJECT DESCRIPTION...................................................................... 2
COST ANALYSIS.................................................................................. 2
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY................................................................... 2
CONCLUSION ..................................................................................... 2
APPENDIX: MEMO.............................................................................. 2
APPENDIX: WORKS CITED.................................................................. 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
An Introduction to Early Environmental
EducationTABLE OF CONTENTS

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What is Digital Bridge?
Digital Bridge is a Milwaukee based non-profit organization that helps connect local and
global underprivileged communities with technological resources that would be impossible
to access on their own. By working with local businesses and individuals, Digital Bridge can
repurpose aging (but still usable) technology and create computer labs in local and global
schools, giving these underprivileged communities access to the vast amount of information
that the internet has to offer. To date, Digital Bridge has implemented over 20 computer
labs in three different continents, giving internet access and computer literacy to individuals
in locations such as Kenya and Milwaukee.
How can Digital Bridge help Kapco Metal Stamping?
Kapco Metal Stamping utilizes computers and other technical devices on a daily basis and
updates their machines on a yearly basis. Currently, the devices are recycled and turned into
scrap metals or plastics, giving these machines no further purpose after being utilized in
Kapco’s day-to-day operations. Digital Bridge can provide an alternative route for these
computers to follow, allowing the machines to give internet and technical access to
impoverished communities. The donations from Kapco would be tax-deductible, giving
Kapco the ability to claim a deduction “for up to 30% of the asset’s current fair market
value” (Fritz, 2020). By working alongside Digital Bridge, Kapco can provide a positive
impact on underprivileged communities, reduce the environmental impact of computer
recycling, and increase tax deductions on outdated technology.
What is the plan?
Every year, Kapco will partake in a tax-deductible donation program where they will donate
all outdated computers and tech to Digital Bridge, allowing their still usable hardware to be
repurposed and refurbished for individuals who do not have regular access to said
technology. By participating in this program, Kapco will be able to save money during every
donation period and claim a deduction for their outdated hardware. Kapco will also have an
extrinsic benefit of helping underprivileged communities gain technical experience and
internet access, helping them reach a sustainable and economical solution for disposing of
their computers.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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In an increasingly connected world, it may seem difficult to imagine life without access to the
internet or other related technologies. However, for 42% of the global population, accessing
the internet is impossible on a regular basis (Statista, 2020). A lack of access to the internet
makes essential life tasks such as homework, job applications, and general research
incredibly difficult, with many of these tasks being performed online on a more regular basis.
Having reliable access to the internet through the use of computers is an important part of
developmental learning, with better access to technology leading to a “mediated and strong
positive effect on academic performance” according to a 2013 research paper regarding the
positive effects of technology (Lopez, 2013). Improved internet access has also been proven
to increase the GDP in various countries, with “every 10-percentage point improvement in
broadband penetration increas[ing] GDP by 1.3%” (Marcus, 2016). Problems such as a lack
of infrastructure, affordability, skills, and local adoption form four of the main problems
involved with the lack of internet access in underdeveloped countries (as seen in the graphic
below).
Fig. 1. Four Main Problems Preventing Internet Access in Underdeveloped Countries
A lack of internet and computer access is a problem that affects more than just
underdeveloped countries, however. In fact, an estimated five million families in the United
States do not have access to the internet, forcing “children do their homework in Wi-Fi-
equipped buses or fast-food restaurants” (Lohr, 2018). The divide between those that
possess access to the internet and those that don’t has been aptly named the “digital
THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERNET ACCESS IN THE 21ST
CENTURY

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divide”, causing those that don’t have access to the internet to fall behind in class and
education. With 70% of teachers now assigning homework online, having reliable access to
the internet has never been more crucial (Kang, 2016). Proper education is often the first
step in becoming a successful individual, and increased access to the internet for
underprivileged individuals can serve as a preliminary step in reducing global poverty.
According to a journal from the Development Policy Review, “internet users tend to maintain
a larger network of weak ties, and that these ties are often activated at crucial times, such
as when looking for a job or changing occupations” (Galperin, 2017). Internet access serves
as a lifelong tool and can potentially change the trajectory of an individual’s life.
How can Digital Bridge remedy this problem?
Providing access to the internet and computers on a reliable basis can improve education in
schools that lack funding, as well as help developing countries connect with members of
other countries. By repurposing computers and other hardware technologies, Digital Bridge
serves as a lifeline for underdeveloped and impoverished communities and gives these
communities access to a resource that has become necessary in the modern world. Digital
Bridge also reduces the environmental impact that computer disposal has on the world,
helping reduce the 6.3 million metric tons of e-waste that the United States produces
annually (Statista, 2017).
Fig. 2. E-Waste Generation by Country

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Kapco currently has no effective way to dispose of outdated computers and related
hardware. By working with Milwaukee-based non-profit Digital Bridge, Kapco will be able to
receive up to 30% tax deductions on computer donations while also benefiting
underprivileged communities and reducing the environmental impact of e-waste.
How will this project fit with the triple bottom line?
People:
• 30 computers each year will translate to at least two computer labs, giving more than
60 people access to the internet every year
• By donating thirty computers per year, Kapco can directly impact underprivileged
communities and remove the issue of affordability for impoverished families
• Giving these communities the gift of internet accessibility will give families the
chance to gain an effective education, thus reducing the risk of continuing a poverty
cycle
Planet:
• As of 2016, the United States generates 6.3 million metric tons of e-waste, leading to
pollution and health issues when e-waste is not properly disposed of.
• By working with Digital Bridge, Kapco will reduce their environmental impact and
ensure that their computers are not filling landfills.
• If Digital Bridge cannot find a buyer or lab to use the donated computers, Digital
Bridge will recycle the e-waste in a responsible manner that ensures the computers
don’t end up in a landfill.
Profit:
• As a non-profit, Digital Bridge can accept tax-deductible donations from businesses
and individuals.
• As per the current tax laws, Kapco can seek up to tax deductions of up to 30% of the
asset’s current fair market value
• Kapco replaces 30 computers every year, meaning that Kapco can receive up to
$3,600 in tax deductions during years that they decide to donate.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION

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Costs Associated with Kapco Cares
Due to the nature of donations and Digital Bridge’s non-profit status, there are little to no
costs associated with this program. The one cost that Kapco will need to deal with is
transporting the computers to Milwaukee, a 22.4-mile journey. Kapco has its own
distribution center and trucks, removing the necessity to rent a truck for transportation. One
indirect cost associated with the donation of computers is the downtime Kapco will undergo
during the replacement of their computers. To mitigate this cost, Kapco should slowly
replace computers over a month-long period, ensuring that there will be minimal downtime
for Kapco employees. Affected employees will be able to arrange a time period that works
best during years that Kapco participates in the donation program, ensuring that downtime
is minimized for the business.
Financial Benefits Associated with Kapco Cares
In terms of financial benefit, Kapco will see a significant increase in annual tax deductions
during years that Kapco decides to participate in the donation program. If Kapco continues
to replace around 30 computers per year at $400 market value per computer, Kapco will
stand to see a $3,600 increase in tax deductions per year. This value is added to the
company at an extremely low and attractive cost, with Kapco only being responsible for the
cost of gas during the donation period. Currently, Kapco receives no financial benefit when
disposing of computers, meaning that all benefits realized from annual tax deductions are
purely profit-based.
COST ANALYSIS
Preapproval Expenses
Item: Cost:
Transportation $7 (gas)
Total Costs $7
Environmental Education Consulting
Item: Cost:
Labor
~14 hrs = $140 (at
$15/hr, min. wage)
Travel
Expenses
$5
Printing
Expenses
$X
Total Costs $162 (All donated)
Preapproval Cash Flows
Item: Cost:
Tax
Deductions
$3,600
Total Cash
Flows
$3,600
Deliverables
ScheduleRecovery Cafe
Item: Cost:
Labor ~14 hrs = $140
Received ~$140

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How will the impact of this project be measured?
In order to measure the impact Kapco has on global internet accessibility, Digital Bridge will
keep in contact with Kapco and report how many
Kapco computers are utilized in Digital Bridge
computer labs. Kapco’s personal benefits will be
calculated based on tax deductions realized after
donating computers on a yearly basis. Due to the
nature of this project, Kapco’s investment is
minimal, as they will simply need to pay for
transportation costs associated with donating
computers.
The success of the project will also be measured
based on computer literacy rates associated with
Digital Bridge’s computer labs. The success of
these labs in connecting underprivileged students
to the internet is essential and will hopefully
increase as Kapco’s relationship with Digital
Bridge continues to grow.
Immediate Impact:
Kapco’s unutilized computer count will drop instantly, with only active computers being
stored in the corporate office. Kapco will also receive tax deductions for every donation.
Future Impact:
Kapco, in conjunction with Digital Bridge, will decrease the lack of internet access in
underprivileged communities and raise technical literacy in communities that don’t have
regular access.
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
Fig. 3. Cyclical Effect of Poverty and a Lack of Access to Technology

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Although there is certainly a profitability aspect for Kapco, the primary goal of this project is
to reduce technical illiteracy in underprivileged communities and increase the number of
individuals that have regular access to the internet. Having a concrete impact on these
communities is possible due to Digital Bridge’s continued efforts to bring refurbished
computers to these groups, reducing e-waste in the process. The impact these computers
can have on underprivileged communities cannot be understated and will hopefully serve as
the first step in education and emerging from poverty. By working alongside Digital Bridge,
Kapco can have a definitive role in ending the global digital divide that currently exists.
Fig. 4. Computer Literacy Classes for Students
CONCLUSION
“The worst place to be is in a place where there is no
access to the technology everyone else is benefiting from,”
~ Brad Smith, president of Microsoft.

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TO: Kapco Metal Stamping Employees
FROM: Andrew Puetz, Finance & Accounting Intern
DATE: February 20, 2020
SUBJECT: Kapco Cares Initiative
Dear Kapco Employees,
It is with great pleasure that I can announce the approval of Kapco Cares. With your help, we will
change the lives of underprivileged students and have a lasting and concrete impact on their future
success.
After completing thorough research regarding the benefits of global internet accessibility and the
advantages Kapco stands to achieve in terms of increased tax deductions, my goal is to ensure that
the implementation of Kapco Cares is completed in a successful manner. To make sure that
employees suffer little to no downtime during the donation process, I will be implementing a process
that rotates new computers into one office per day for two weeks. By staggering the transition to new
systems, every employee will have a chance to get used to their machines and ample time to move
files and settings.
Next Steps:
1. Meet with affected employees to ensure that downtime is minimized.
2. Give an in-person presentation to all employees regarding Kapco Cares and an explanation
as to how the program will improve internet accessibility in underprivileged communities.
3. Discuss a donation period that works with all affected employees.
Benefits of Kapco Cares:
1. Tax deductions equivalent to 30% of the market value of each device donated.
2. Increased technical skills and internet accessibility for underprivileged communities both
locally and internationally.
3. Decreased environmental impact through the refurbishment of usable computers.
If anyone has any questions regarding next steps or Kapco Cares, please don’t hesitate to reach out
to me by either email (apuetz@scu.edu) or phone (4152698408). Thank you for taking the time to
read this memo, and I look forward to implementing this program with you!
Sincerely,
Andrew Puetz
APPENDIX: MEMO

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Anderson, M., Kumar, M., & Pew Research Center. (2019, May 10). The digital divide
continues in the US as lower-income Americans fall behind. Retrieved from
http://bit.ly/39NhUhO
Bubis, A. P. (2010, November 2). Basic Information about the Digital Divide. Retrieved
from http://bit.ly/37HGOxN. Fig. 3.
Clement, J., & Feb. (2020, February 3). Global digital population 2020. Retrieved
from http://bit.ly/2vRFZVP
Closing the Digital Learning Gap. (2019, February 8). Retrieved from http://bit.ly/2PadWb1
Computer Grant. (2019, May 31). Retrieved from http://bit.ly/2SWY4tL. Cover Photo.
Galperin, H., & Fernanda Viecens, M. (2017). Connected for Development? Theory
and evidence about the impact of Internet technologies on poverty alleviation.
Development Policy Review, 35(3), 315–336. http://bit.ly/2V8xgcO
Fritz, J. (2020, February 11). The Basics of Tax Deductions for Charitable Donations.
Retrieved from http://bit.ly/2wr2KjN
Kang, C. (2016, February 22). Bridging a Digital Divide That Leaves Schoolchildren
Behind. Retrieved from https://nyti.ms/37GZJJf
Lohr, S. (2018, December 4). Digital Divide Is Wider Than We Think, Study Says.
Retrieved from https://nyti.ms/2SHD7DZ
Lopez Islas, J. R. (2013). Digital literacy and academic success in online education
for underprivileged communities: the prep@ net case.
Marcus, A., & Wong, A. (2016). Internet for All: A Framework for Accelerating Internet
Access and Adoption. In World Economic Forum (pp. 4-5). Fig. 1.
Moving Beyond Computer Literacy: Why Schools Should Teach Computer Science.
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://bit.ly/2V4wCwC. Fig. 4.
Richter, F. (2017, December 14). Infographic: These Countries Generate the Most
Electronic Waste. Retrieved from http://bit.ly/2SHrwoq. Fig. 2.
Scherer, R., Siddiq, F., & Sánchez Viveros, B. (2019). The cognitive benefits of
learning computer programming: A meta-analysis of transfer effects. Journal of
Educational Psychology, 111(5), 764–792. http://bit.ly/2PaKbH9 (Supplemental)
APPENDIX: WORKS CITED