ETSU PASTA Program
The Providing Area Schools with Technical Assistance (PASTA) program is administered by ETSU's Information Technology Services (ITS) department. PASTA supports publicly funded K-12 schools throughout East Tennessee by providing refurbished computers and other infomation technology equipment.
In addition to supporting local schools, the program provides a valuable service to ETSU by ensuring that all digital data is securely erased from devices before they are repurposed or disposed of.
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Donation Locations
PASTA regularly makes donations to school systems in 8 different counties in East Tennessee. As academic outreach at ETSU spreads across the state, PASTA hopes to encourage technological growth for communities in need. -
Security
PASTA works closely with the ITS Information Security team to discuss proper data removal practices, following NIST SP 800-88 data erasure guidelines. -
Electronic Waste Policy
PASTA also supports ETSU's compliance with its Elecontric Waste Management Policy by helping manage university technology equipment designated for reuse or disposal. -
History
PASTA was established in 2003 by Dr. Terry Countermine and the Department of Computing, following the first dontations of surplus computers to public schools.
In 2005, David Robinson was appointed director of PASTA. During his 20-year tenure, he significantly expanded the program. By the time of his retirement, PASTA had donated more than 15,000 computers to 60 schools.
In 2025, PASTA transtioned to ITS under new leadership, with plans to further expand the program's reach and impact. -
Staff
PASTA is located at the ETSU Innovation Laboratory
2109 West Market Street | Campus PO Box 70439
Johnson City, TN 37614 (Google Maps Directions)