Isabella Ziye Huang, the founder of Learners Without Borders, has long embraced the vast potential of online learning resources in her educational journey. Despite her frequent travels across the globe, she has been able to pursue her studies seamlessly, unbound by geographical limitations, thanks to the wealth of digital educational platforms. It was through these global travels that Isabella became acutely aware of the struggles faced by young individuals from marginalized communities. Witnessing their hardships firsthand, she recognized that the lack of access to quality education stands as a formidable structural barrier to their growth and development.

The internet, in its purest essence, was conceived as a tool for equality—its most profound value lies in its ability to democratize access to information and facilitate the sharing of knowledge. However, for countless marginalized individuals, this promise remains unfulfilled. The absence of necessary technological equipment and digital literacy has further exacerbated social divides and existing inequities.

Conversely, Isabella also observed a stark contrast: across institutions, corporations, and affluent households worldwide, a significant number of electronic devices lay obsolete or idle, ultimately destined to become e-waste. These discarded devices, while holding no residual value for their owners, contribute to environmental degradation and represent a lost opportunity for meaningful repurposing.

Moved by a profound sense of injustice and responsibility—especially as a young person un society—Isabella resolved to take action. She founded this initiative to bridge the digital divide, harnessing the potential of recycled electronics to empower marginalized youth.