Best Tech Giveaways in Plano, TX: 2026 Local Guide
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Compare four current Plano tech options and check eligibility, dates, and limits before you apply.
Plano residents have four tech-related options in 2026 with current sponsor terms. They include a school STEM contest, free library training, a Surface trade-in credit, and a federal phone discount. A trade-in credit means you send an old device for value toward a new one.
Lifeline is a federal discount that lowers monthly phone or internet bills for households that qualify. The sections below show who each option fits and what to check before you act.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on October 07, 2026.
Can Plano students enter a STEM contest for school prizes?
Students in grades 6-12 at U.S. public schools can enter with a teacher by proposing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) project for their community. According to Samsung US, winners can receive up to $50,000 in school prizes plus mentorship: Samsung's 2026 Solve for Tomorrow page.
This is a chance to win for selected schools, not a free item for every entrant. Plano classes can tie an entry to a local need, such as water use or safe routes to school. Check grade range, public-school status, and teacher sponsorship before you start.
Where can Plano residents get free tech training?
All Plano Public Library programs are free, and LinkedIn Learning covers software, photography, video and job skills for cardholders. The City of Plano lists this access with a library card on the City of Plano Senior Services Online Portal. This is free training access, not a contest with winners.
Residents can use the courses to build office, photo, or video skills at home. Have your library card ready and confirm course availability in the portal before you plan study time.
- Choose a skill area such as software or video
- Log in with your library card
- Set aside practice time each week
How can you get value toward a new Surface?
The Microsoft Store offers value toward a qualifying new Surface Laptop or Surface Pro for Business. You must trade a qualifying PC, phone, tablet or console. According to the Microsoft Store, claims need proof and must use the U.S.
online store from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026: the Microsoft Trade-In Program page.
This is credit toward a purchase, not a free device. Check that both your old device and the new Surface model qualify before you send anything. Keep your proof of trade until credit applies.
Who can get help with phone or internet bills?
Lifeline lowers monthly costs for households that qualify as low-income. According to the FCC and USAC Lifeline program, the discount is up to $9.25 off phone, broadband or bundled service, and up to $34.25 on Tribal lands: the Lifeline How to Get Started page. The benefit is limited to one per household nationwide through participating providers.
This is a monthly discount, not a prize drawing. Plano households can confirm eligibility and find a participating provider before applying. Use the same address for all household members to avoid duplicate claims.