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Tech Education

Twin Cities resources to help improve tech skills.

Find or Repair Computers and Devices

Each of these organizations provides access to technology devices or repairs them. To learn more about how to use these devices, scroll down the page for another list of organizations that offer computer education classes.

Most of these resources are free or low-cost. Each one is located in or near the Twin Cities, or are nationwide. Some have support or information available in multiple languages. The website, address, phone number, email address, and hours of operation are listed where available. Some organizations have multiple locations.

 

Fix-It Clinic of Hennepin County - Free clinic where volunteers demonstrate how to fix broken electronics or mobile devices.

 

Fix-It Clinic of Ramsey County - Free clinic where volunteers demonstrate how to fix broken electronics or mobile devices. 

 

Free Geek Twin Cities - Tech thrift store selling low-cost computers and other equipment for low-income customers. They accept donations as well. 

2537 25th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN, 55406

 

Hennepin County Library - The public library system in Minneapolis and Bloomington, offering a range of free tech services for patrons. See the "Hennepin County Library Resources" tab for more information.

 

Lifeline - An FCC program designed to make internet and phone services more affordable for low-income consumers. Enhanced benefits are available for consumers on tribal lands. Information is available in Spanish and several Asian languages. See the website for details on eligibility and how to apply.

 

Metro State University - A university with a library that is open to the public with free computer usage. See the "Metro State University Resources" tab on the side for further information.

700 E 7th St. 

Saint Paul, MN, 55106

 

Minnesota Tech for Success - Nonprofit providing free or low-cost computers for schools and free courses that lead to technology certifications. Computer equipment can also be donated here.

504 Malcolm Ave SE, Suite 100

Minneapolis, MN, 55414

 

Saint Paul Neighborhood Network - Community media and technology center with youth and adult programs and classes in podcasting, video production, and Adobe products. They provide the cameras and lighting/audio equipment.

550 Vandalia St. 

Suite 170 

Saint Paul, MN, 55114 

  • Monday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for Business Office
  • Monday - Wednesday and Friday, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. for Access Center
  • (651) 224-5153 
  • www.spnn.org
  • info@spnn.org

 

PCs for People - National nonprofit offering recycled/refurbished computers and internet devices at affordable costs to low-income individuals, families, and nonprofits. They also offer some tech support for items purchased from them. 

 

PCs for People Retail Location:

1481 Marshall Avenue 

Saint Paul, MN, 55104  

 

PCs for People Recycling Location: 

2492 Doswell Avenue

Saint Paul, MN, 55108

 

Project for Pride in Living (PPL) - Local organization offering career readiness, high school diploma completion, and affordable housing help to low-income individuals and families. Digital literacy workshops and resources are part of their career readiness options. 

 

PPL Administrative Building: 

1035 East Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN, 55404

  • (612) 455-5100
  • Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 

PPL Career Center:

1021 East Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN, 55404

  • (612) 455-5300
  • Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

Ramsey County Library - The public library serving Saint Paul and the areas around it such as Maplewood, White Bear, Roseville, etc. They offer a range of free technology classes and services. See the "Ramsey County Library Resources" tab for more information.

4560 North Victoria St. 
Shoreview, MN, 55126 

  • www.rclreads.org
  • See the website for branch-specific addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation.

 

REPOWERED - Electronics recycling/refurbishing nonprofit that sells tech devices at a lower cost and also offers repair, upgrade, and customization services.

860 Vandalia St. 

Saint Paul, MN, 55114

 

  • Recycling Drop-off Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Retail Store Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • (763) 432-3117
  • getrepowered.org

 

Saint Paul Public Library - The public library serving Saint Paul and offering many free technology services. See the "Saint Paul Public Library Resources" tab for more information.

90 W. 4th St.
Saint Paul, MN, 55102

  • (651) 266-7000
  • sppl.org
  • See the website for branch-specific addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation.

 

Simon Technology Center (STC) - A division of PACER Center, STC works to make technology more accessible to kids and adults with disabilities. They do tech consultations, workshops, individualized training sessions, and have an assistive technology lending library. Translated content is available in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.

PACER Center, Inc.
8161 Normandale Blvd.
Bloomington, MN, 55437

 

Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) Program - Supplies free phone devices to Minnesota residents with hearing loss or speech/physical disabilities. These include but are not limited to captioned telephones, smartphones and tablets, Bluetooth streamers, voice amplifiers, and smart speakers. See the website for details on eligibility and how to apply.

MN TED Program 

444 Lafayette Rd. N. 

Saint Paul, MN, 55155-3814

 

Xfinity Internet Essentials - This program allows eligible applicants to receive low-cost internet service at home. See the website for eligibility requirements and details on how to apply.

Computer Education Classes

Each of these organizations provides technology education classes. Most are free or low-cost, and all are located in or near the Twin Cities, or are nationwide. Some have support or information available in multiple languages.

The website, address, phone number, email address, and hours of operation are listed where available. Some organizations have multiple locations.

 

Adult Options in Education - An adult education program offering classes in online computer learning in addition to ESL, math, citizenship, and GED/ABE prep. They also offer career pathways and counselors. 

1001 Highway 7

Hopkins, MN, 55305

  • Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • (952) 988-5343
  • www.adultoptions.org
  • adult.options@hopkinsschools.org 

 

Avivo - Organization offering career and employment services that often include help with digital literacy. They also provide services in mental health, treatment and recovery, and housing.

1900 Chicago Avenue
Minneapolis, MN, 55404

  • Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • (612) 752-8000
  • avivomn.org

 

Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES) - Latino-led nonprofit that runs adult education classes in computer skills as well as many other subjects like finance, parenting, and more. Help is available in English and Spanish. They have locations in Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Wilmar, and Austin, Minnesota.

  • See the website for branch-specific addresses and phone numbers.
  • Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • clues.org
  • info@clues.org

 

COPAL - Grassroots organization serving Latinos in Minnesota. They offer free courses in basic computer skills, English, citizenship, and GED. Help is available in English and Spanish. They have locations in Minneapolis and Mankato.

3702 E. Lake St.

Minneapolis, MN, 55406

  • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • (612) 249-8736
  • copalmn.org
  • info@copalmn.org

 

CTEP AmeriCorps - An AmeriCorps program where members offer free tech tutoring throughout the Twin Cities. This is an excellent paid opportunity for anyone looking to work in technology or teaching fields.

 

Fix-It Clinic of Hennepin County - Free clinic where volunteers demonstrate how to fix broken electronics or mobile devices.

 

Fix-It Clinic of Ramsey County - Free clinic where volunteers demonstrate how to fix broken electronics or mobile devices. 

 

Harmony Adult Education - Adult education program with free training classes for the Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate. Registration may be required to attend. 

1961 County Rd. C East

Maplewood, MN, 55109

  • Classes are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 pm
  • (651) 748-6208
  • harmonyabe@isd622.org

 

Hennepin County Library - The public library system in Minneapolis and Bloomington, offering a range of free tech services for patrons. See the "Hennepin County Library Resources" tab for more information.

 

HIRED - Career training and employment services program with digital skill guides and tutorials. 

217 Fifth Avenue N 

3rd Floor 

Minneapolis, MN, 55401 

  • See the website for information on Saint Paul, Brooklyn Center, and Bloomington offices.
  • (612) 808-9500
  • www.hired.org/
  • information@hired.org

 

Literacy Minnesota/Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment - Nonprofit offering free adult classes in computer skills and much more. Literacy Minnesota created the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment. Northstar certification covers Microsoft Office, email and internet usage, and other basic skills.

700 Raymond Avenue, Suite 180

Saint Paul, MN, 55114-1780

  • Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • (651) 645-2277
  • www.literacymn.org
  • Email@literacymn.org

 

Lyndale Neighborhood Association - Community organization that works with Somali elders to help them with English language and digital literacy skills. Information is available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Arabic.

3537 Nicollet Ave South
Minneapolis, MN, 55408

 

Metro South Adult Basics Education - Adult education program hosting Computer Basics and Computers for Work classes. They also have programs for GED, ESL, and career advancement.

2575 West 88th St. 

Bloomington, MN, 55431

  • Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • (952) 681-6170
  • metrosouth.org

 

Metro State University - A university with a library that is open to the public with free computer usage. See the "Metro State University Resources" tab on the side for further information.

700 E 7th St. 

Saint Paul, MN, 55106

 

Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence - A program hosted by Metro State University that's designed to help people pursue careers in IT. Check their website for events, networking, workshops, and courses. 

Metro State -- Saint John's Hall 
405 Maria Ave.
Saint Paul, MN, 55108

 

Minnesota Tech for Success - Nonprofit providing free or low-cost computers for schools and free courses that lead to technology certifications. Computer equipment can also be donated here.

504 Malcolm Ave SE, Suite 100

Minneapolis, MN, 55414

 

Mounds View Adult Education - This program includes IT Career Pathways, Microsoft Office Specialist Workshops and CompTIA classes, and free Essential Computer Skills Training. See the website for dates.

Silver View Education Center
2574 Mounds View Boulevard (formerly County Hwy 10)
Mounds View, MN, 55112

 

Neighborhood House - Multi-service agency with classes in computer skills, English, citizenship, and GED prep. They also offer support for housing and food. Information is available in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Amharic, and Russian. 

179 Robie St. E 

Saint Paul, MN, 55107

  • Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • (651) 789-2500
  • neighborhoodhousemn.org 

 

Saint Paul Neighborhood Network - Community media and technology center with youth and adult programs and classes in podcasting, video production, and Adobe products. They provide the cameras and lighting/audio equipment.

550 Vandalia St. 

Suite 170 

Saint Paul, MN, 55114 

  • Monday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for Business Office
  • Monday - Wednesday and Friday, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. for Access Center
  • (651) 224-5153 
  • www.spnn.org
  • info@spnn.org

 

Project for Pride in Living (PPL) - Local organization offering career readiness, high school diploma completion, and affordable housing help to low-income individuals and families. Digital literacy workshops and resources are part of their career readiness options. 

 

PPL Administrative Building: 

1035 East Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN, 55404

  • (612) 455-5100
  • Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 

PPL Career Center:

1021 East Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN, 55404

  • (612) 455-5300
  • Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

Ramsey County Library - The public library serving Saint Paul and the areas around it such as Maplewood, White Bear, Roseville, etc. They offer a range of free technology classes and services. See the "Ramsey County Library Resources" tab for more information.

4560 North Victoria St. 
Shoreview, MN, 55126 

  • www.rclreads.org
  • See the website for branch-specific addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation.

 

Saint Paul Public Library - The public library serving Saint Paul and offering many free technology services. See the "Saint Paul Public Library Resources" tab for more information.

90 W. 4th St.
Saint Paul, MN, 55102

  • (651) 266-7000
  • sppl.org
  • See the website for branch-specific addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation.

 

Simon Technology Center (STC) - A division of PACER Center, STC works to make technology more accessible to kids and adults with disabilities. They do tech consultations, workshops, individualized training sessions, and have an assistive technology lending library. Translated content is available in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.

PACER Center, Inc.
8161 Normandale Blvd.
Bloomington, MN, 55437

  • Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • (952) 838-9000
  • pacer.org/stc

 

Takoda Institute - A division of the American Indian OIC that provides free CompTIA-certified training programs in IT Fundamentals and other subjects. See the website for details on dates and enrollment.

1845 E Franklin Ave.

Minneapolis, MN, 55404

  • Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • (612) 341-3358 
  • takoda.org