Inspiring futures through technology and community partnership

SCC – a global family-owned business delivering IT solutions and services across a wide range of sectors – donated seven refurbished HP laptops to the school via their recycling centre, SCC Recyclea. The donation was made possible through SCC’s long-standing partnership with HP and reflects their shared commitment to sustainability, inclusion and educational opportunity. SCC Recyclea is fully certified to provide high-quality refurbished devices that meet rigorous standards through HP Renew – the company’s official refurbishment programme. The donation marked a new chapter in the collaboration between SCC and The Rigby Foundation, demonstrating how corporate partnerships can drive real impact in local communities.

The Rigby Foundation is a West Midlands based charity focused on breaking down barriers to education and employment for young people, and connects schools like Small Heath Leadership Academy with strategic partners to deliver vital academic tutoring, essential skills development, post-16 pathways and mental health support. This term alone, over 70 pupils from Small Heath Leadership Academy have engaged with the charity’s Inspiring Futures Programme, benefitting from partnerships with renowned organisations such as Action Tutoring, Debate Mate, Envision, Skills Builder, and Place2Be. Staff have noted a remarkable surge in pupil confidence and aspiration, highlighting the programme’s transformative impact.

On the day of the donation, representatives from SCC visited Small Heath Leadership Academy and were warmly welcomed by the school’s Deputy Head Boy and Student Councillor, who delivered an engaging presentation about their personal learning journeys and future ambitions. Their reflections on the enriching experiences and diverse opportunities available at the school underscored the real-life impact of such support on pupils’ lives.

Matthew Rigby, HP Partner Manager at SCC, said: “We’re thrilled to support Small Heath Leadership Academy with these devices. It’s not just about donating technology, it’s about unlocking potential and helping young people take their next best steps.”

Sonia Chhatwal, Executive Director of The Rigby Foundation, added: “This is a brilliant example of what Inspiring Futures is about and can support. Bringing together business, education, and philanthropy to create lasting change.”

Yasmin Manzoor, Principal at Small Heath Leadership Academy, spoke of her gratitude for the partnership, saying: “We would like to say a huge thank you to SCC for their generous donation, and to The Rigby Foundation for making this possible. The newly donated laptops will be integrated into the school’s digital access and enrichment programmes to support classroom learning and wider educational activities and will make a real and lasting difference to our pupils’ learning experience.

“Access to technology helps our young people to build essential digital skills, engage more confidently with their studies and take greater ownership of their learning. Partnerships like this are invaluable in ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background, are equipped with the tools they need to succeed academically and prepare for their future pathways.”