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Las Vegas . Caesars Palace Suite

Empowering Students and Supporting Schools: OUSD’s Chromebook Repair Program

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.

Chromebook Repair Program

If your school or organization is managing a 1:1 Chromebook program, WISE Certification is a key certification for your tech leadership team and students assisting in the repairs on the devices. For schools that have their own in-house Chromebook repair program, or those who are looking for assistance in launching a student ran repair depot for the deployed devices, WISE Certification is not only great training but an industry recognized credential that will stay with the student as they build their resume towards the future.
 
Contact Jeremy Willis for more information today.

Retailer Programs

Independent Repair Committee

The Independent Repair Committee was formed in June of 2021, bringing together WISE Certified independent providers together with Reverse Logistics Service Quality (RLSQ) members, the WISE Certification team, and its partners. All WISE Certified Repair Shop owners are welcome to join.

Leadership Team

If interested in learning more about the Leadership Team, contact Jeremy Willis for more information.

RLSQ

Collaborate on common shared challenges that help shape the future of our industry with our dedicated working groups. To join, please contact us at programs@wisecertification.com.

learn wise

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!

Teach WISE

Technicians for smartphones, tablets and Chromebooks are in high demand, and your school or workforce development programs can help individuals get the industry recognized credentials they need with WISE Certification. We offer curriculum that can be delivered in both short term accelerated programs, or spread out over the course of a longer deployment of education and training. Our focus is finding the best possible path together to achieve success in helping grow the mobile device technicians of tomorrow. Contact Jeremy Willis for more information today.

Repair FACILITIES REQUIREMENTS

Starting Point

Download our ASC Policies & Procedures pdf here.

Prepare for Authorization

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.

  • WISE Certification: Facility line managers shall be certified to the requested authorization level of the facility. If seeking Level 1 Authorization, line managers shall be Level 1 Certified. If seeking Level 2 Authorization, line managers shall be Level 2 Certified. Technicians can enroll in WISE Technician Certification by registering an account here. The cost for Level 1 Certification is $200/technician, and $300/technician for Level 2 Certification. If you need any assistance in getting your technicians started, contact us at programs@ctiacertification.org.

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:

  • Requested authorization level (Level 1 or Level 2)
  • Proof of ISO 9001 accreditation, 2015 version or later
  • Proof of R2 certification (Recyclers ONLY)
  • Company overview, including experience with servicing wireless devices
  • Overview of facilities/sites involved with the application for CTIA Certification ASC authorization
  • Organizational chart of location(s) being audited
  • Nonconformance findings and CAPA plan from recent audits

Repair Facilities
Get Authorized

Getting Authorized

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.

More Information

For more information on WISE ASCs, contact us at programs@wisecertification.com.

Service Center Directory Search

Find a WISE Authorized Service Center here.

RETAILERS Get Authorized

Who Should Be Authorized?

Device Repair Retailers, Kiosks, On-Demand Vehicles, and more who meet the requirements outlined in the Authorized Service Provider Certification Program Document.

Why Be Authorized?

To differentiate your business and demonstrate your commitment to quality.

How to Get Authorized?

Click the Learn More button below for guidance on certification.

Authorized Service Provider Fee $400 USD

The fee is $400 per location or vehicle. Each location and/or vehicle will renew annually for $400 USD.

Why WISE

Who Developed the Program?

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.

What is WISE Certification?

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.

Why is this Important?

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.

The Standard You Can Depend On

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!

Your Trusted Phone Repair Technicians

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.

WISE CHROMEBOOK CERTIFICATION

Who Should Be Certified?

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. 

Why Be Certified?

This comprehensive certification program aims to equip technicians with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the fast-evolving world of Chromebook technology.

Online Knowledge Exam

To pursue designation as a “WISE Specialist Level 1 for Chromebooks,” enroll in the WISE Level 1 Knowledge Exam for Chromebook Repair.

WISE Chromebook Certification Fee $150 USD

WISE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATION

Who Should Be Certified?

Anyone wanting to grow their technical skillset in device repair.

Why Be Certified?

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.

Hands-on Exam

Become a qualified repair technician through our WISE hands-on exam. Select a WISE Authorized Training Administrator or become certified through your employer.

Test Out Exam

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.

Register Today

Are you looking for device repair training from experts in the industry? Are you an independent technician looking to step up your certification to Level 2?

WISE LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION

Who Should Be Certified?

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.  

Why Be Certified?

This certification is a great first step into device repair, a bonus for customer-facing, non-technical staff in repair shops, and more!

Online Knowledge Exam

Level 1 WISE Certified Technicians are considered qualified to perform diagnostics or repair common device issues without opening the device.

Register Today

Once registered, you will have access to the exam study guide and the online exam. You must pass the exam with a score of 70 percent or greater within two attempts to earn Level 1 certification, and will then become eligible to enroll in a hands-on training session to seek Level 2 technician certification.

WISE Level 1 Certification Fee $200 USD

Certification is valid for 2 years upon technician certification anniversary date. Re-certification fee for WISE Level 1 is $200 USD.