
As education adapts to the demands of a digital world, Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) has taken a bold step to merge learning opportunities with practical problem-solving through its Chromebook Repair Program. Here’s how this innovative initiative is making waves for students, the school district, and the environment.
The Spark Behind the Program
The Chromebook Repair Program was born out of necessity during the transition back to in- person learning after COVID-19 closures. Thousands of devices distributed for remote education returned in varying states of disrepair. Facing the monumental challenge of readying these devices for classroom use before the 2021-2022 school year, Sam Berg, OUSD’s Computer Science Coordinator, and Preston Thomas, Chief Systems and Services Officer, saw
an opportunity to solve a pressing problem while empowering students. With the Tech Services team overwhelmed by the volume of devices needing repair, they proposed a unique solution—a student-led repair program. The idea was simple yet transformative: provide students with hands-on technical skills while ensuring every classroom had functional devices.
“This program helps students see themselves as capable contributors to their community while setting a strong foundation for lifelong success.” – Samantha Nunez, OUSD
Milestones and Growth
Since its launch in the summer of 2021 with 38 interns, the Chromebook Repair Program has steadily evolved. Initially operating as a summer initiative under OUSD Teacher and IT Project Manager, Samantha Nunez, the program expanded in 2022-23 to include year-round internships. Today, the program averages 15 summer interns and 7 school-year interns, providing a consistent stream of support for OUSD’s tech needs. Interns have collectively repaired thousands of devices, making a significant impact on the district’s resources and operational efficiency.
Why This Program is a Game-Changer
For the School District
The Chromebook Repair Program delivers substantial financial benefits to OUSD. Each repair saves the district an average of $245 during the summer and $237.50 during the school year. In 2023-24 alone, the program saved over $485,000 by repairing 2,000 devices. These savings allow the district to reallocate funds toward other educational priorities, ensuring students and teachers have access to functional technology without incurring excessive costs.
For the Students
For student interns, the program offers more than just hands-on technical experience. Participants gain essential workplace skills, including professional communication, customer service, and teamwork. Interns can also earn industry-recognized credentials like WISE Certification, and explore career pathways through field trips and mentorship from IT professionals.
“This is a transformative experience that not only builds the students confidence, but also equips them with practical skills that open doors to future opportunities in technology and beyond.” – IT Teacher, Samantha Nunez
A Surprising Environmental Impact
One of the program’s most unexpected successes has been its contribution to sustainability. During the 2023-24 school year, interns repaired 90% of the 4,106 devices they received. For the 404 devices deemed irreparable, interns salvaged functional components for future use, reducing e-waste and saving the district an additional $800,000. By promoting a culture of repair and reuse, the program demonstrates the powerful role schools can play in fostering environmental responsibility
Advice for Schools Considering a Similar Initiative
For districts looking to replicate this success, collaboration is key. Building a strong partnership with the IT or Tech Services department lays the groundwork for a well-coordinated program. Gathering and tracking data, such as key performance indicators and turnaround times, helps measure success and improve processes.
Looking Ahead: OUSD as a Leader in Innovation
“Every student deserves access to opportunities like these, especially in a city where such programs are uncommon in schools.”
OUSD’s Chromebook Repair Program exemplifies what’s possible when education embraces innovation. By creating a pipeline for student success in technology, OUSD is not only addressing immediate challenges but also inspiring a new generation of leaders. As the program grows, OUSD aims to become a regional and national model, proving that practical, hands-on learning can create lasting change for students, schools, and communities alike.
Get Involved
Those wanting to stand up a repair program on their own are encouraged to visit www.wisecertification.com or reach out to programs@wisecertification.com for more information.
© CTIA Certification
If you are looking to obtain certification in your current field, seeking a new career, or looking at an entrepreneurial opportunity in device repair, WISE Certification provides the most comprehensive knowledge available in smartphone, tablet and Chromebook repair. Study materials are provided for Level 1 certification, it is self-guided and the test when you are ready, is taken online. For Level 2 certification, depending on your background and qualifications, we can provide you with the best guidance to obtain your Level 2 certification. This is a fast growing industry with exciting entry-level opportunities, learn more about WISE Certification today!
Download our ASC Policies & Procedures pdf here.
Step 1 Prerequisites for Authorization:
The ASC Program requires that the facility be ISO 9001 compliant, and their line managers be WISE Certified. Recyclers are also required to be R2v3 or compliant with e-Stewards.
Step 2 ASC Audit:
At your convenience, please reach out to programs@ctiacertification.org to coordinate with an approved and authorized auditor.
Before the day of the audit, you will need to provide the following:
WISE Authorized Service Centers (ASC) demonstrate a commitment to excellence that aligns with the standards set forth by the Policies and Procedures for WISE Authorized Service Centers. This document defines the facility requirements and processes to become a WISE ASC for the repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing of wireless devices.
Device Repair Retailers, Kiosks, On-Demand Vehicles, and more who meet the requirements outlined in the Authorized Service Provider Certification Program Document.
To differentiate your business and demonstrate your commitment to quality.
Click the Learn More button below for guidance on certification.
The fee is $400 per location or vehicle. Each location and/or vehicle will renew annually for $400 USD.
The short answer – the wireless industry. WISE Certification is a collaborative effort across wireless carriers, device manufacturers, insurance companies, independent repair shops, and leaders in reverse logistics.
WISE stands for Wireless Industry Service Excellence. It is the industry recognized standard for retailers and technicians performing phone repair. As a WISE Certified service provider, we are committed to delivering a consistent and reliable repair experience.
The truth is repairing your phone is personal. You deserve a reliable and trusted professional to make sure your most valued asset is repaired with industry recognized standards. Our hope is that this WISE Certified Provider location gives you peace of mind as you hand over your phone for repair.
WISE Certification is proud to provide you with the highest quality of device repair service in the industry. Look for this sign on the repair store for the confidence you deserve with your most trusted possession. Thank you for trusting us with your phone today!
Smartphones continue to be the remote control to our lives keeping the world connected. When devices are not operating reliably, anxiety sets in quickly! When seeking repair services at a WISE Authorized Service Provider, consumers can be more confident their technician has met the requirements established by wireless industry subject matter experts. Consumers should rest assured data is handled with best practices, and basic safety protocols are followed. Certified repairs should be performed with the highest of quality industry recognized standards.
Chromebook Certification is recommended for technicians at retail, repair depots and on a school campus performing Chromebook repair services, IT professionals managing fleets of Chromebook for enterprise and educational institutions, and others engaged in repairs within a K-12 depot program. Anyone wanting to advance your skills, or add to your other WISE Certifications.
This comprehensive certification program aims to equip technicians with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the fast-evolving world of Chromebook technology.
To pursue designation as a “WISE Specialist Level 1 for Chromebooks,” enroll in the WISE Level 1 Knowledge Exam for Chromebook Repair.
Anyone wanting to grow their technical skillset in device repair.
WISE Level 2 certification is a great way to advance your career in the industry. You will be qualified to repair common device issues and restore device to working condition.
The WISE Level 2 Test Out allows experienced technicians to bypass the program’s hands-on testing requirements by assessing a technician’s practical skills and knowledge, providing an opportunity for experienced technicians to demonstrate their proficiency without undergoing the full Level 2 hands-on training. Level 2 Certification is only available to technicians who have successfully passed the WISE Level 1 Knowledge Exam.
To enroll, please visit our WISE Platform, select Course Catalog, and click the course titled WISE Level 2 Certification Test Out.
Anyone wanting to grow their skills in device repair. You’ll get all the basic knowledge of best practices and device safety protocols for smartphones and tablets.
This certification is a great first step into device repair, a bonus for customer-facing, non-technical staff in repair shops, and more!
Level 1 WISE Certified Technicians are considered qualified to perform diagnostics or repair common device issues without opening the device.
Certification is valid for 2 years upon technician certification anniversary date. Re-certification fee for WISE Level 1 is $200 USD.