Beckton Peddy ’18 started the Second Life Project as a Pine Crest School sophomore, combining his appreciation for computers with his desire to help others. The Second Life Project collects and refurbishes used laptops and tablets, and donates them to local students in need.
Beckton first realized he had a passion for coding and computers in the sixth grade. While in Upper School, he recognized he could put those skills to work in a new way.
“The Second Life Project started out as a way for me to take my talents and apply them to helping the local community,” said Beckton. “It has now turned into something much larger. We take technology that businesses and people aren't using, update it, and give it to students in the community who otherwise wouldn’t have a computer to use for their studies. There is a gap in the technology available to students locally, and we have an opportunity to change lives by closing that gap.”
“The first year, it was just me,” said Beckton. “You could hardly see my room because of the computers I had stacked everywhere. I was able to collect, refurbish and donate around 50 laptops to students that year. After that, I got my friend Barrett involved, and then later I created a community service organization at Pine Crest. I’d like to recognize Mrs. Saunders for being our sponsor and a big supporter. We now have several dedicated students helping the Project, and are always looking for more. This past, year we donated over 100 computers and tablets to deserving local students. It is amazing to see the Project grow.”
“We work with companies all over the South Florida area,” said Beckton. “We go to their offices and pick up laptops they are no longer using. Once we receive the donated computers, we securely reformat the hard drives and reinstall the operating systems. We also check the hardware to ensure no parts are broken, and if they are, we will fix them if feasible. We’ve been fortunate to have donors who have covered the cost of new parts.”
Beckton has teamed up with The Urban League of Broward County from the inception of the Project.
“The Urban League has been an amazing partner from the beginning,” said Beckton. “They play a crucial role in connecting us with middle and high school students who need the computers. They also provide a tax donation to the companies who donate computers to us. Every year, I attend the Urban League’s College Decision Day. It is my favorite event, when we give some of the laptops to students. It is wonderful to meet students in person, see their happiness and excitement, and learn what they are going to do with the tools that we give them.”
This year, Beckton was awarded the Civic Leader Award from the Urban League of Broward County for founding, leading, and creating an ongoing legacy with the Project. The Award is given to local leaders who make a significant impact in helping our community in one of four key areas — education, jobs, health or housing.
“I was honored to accept this award,” said Beckton. “We are very appreciative of the Urban League for what they have helped us do for our community, and we will keep working to make a difference.”
What is next for The Second Life Project?
“I am working with two Pine Crest underclassmen on taking over the South Florida part of the Project,” said Beckton. “They are working to get more students involved and obtain more donations of gently used laptops and tablets so that we can do as much good for the community as possible. I’m continuing to help on the Project from college. There really is no limit to what we can do with the support of the Pine Crest community. My dream is that we eventually help thousands of students with technology for their education.”
Beckton is a freshman this year at Rice University.
“I don’t have any set plans yet, but in Houston, I will explore what my options are,” said Beckton. “I may start another chapter of the Second Life Project, or join something that is established there. I will absolutely be involved in community service; I love giving back.”