TechMission Corps Program Overview

• Program Overview
  • The Need For Youth Programs
  • Program Design
  • TechMission Corps Internships
  • TechMission Corps Members 2007-2008
    
• City Teams:
  • Boston
  • Los Angeles
  • Chicago
  • Denver
  • New York
• Partners & Funders

TechMission is a non-profit faith-based agency with a national scope. Our mission: To support Christian organizations in using technology to transform vulnerable communities. Our TechMission Corps (TMC) program was created out of a need to bring innovative afterschool program (ASP) models to faith-based organizations (FBOs) serving at-risk communities. 

The TMC program is currently in its 3rd year of operation as a AmeriCorps National Direct grantee. TMC focuses on 3 of AmeriCorps’ strategic initiatives: 1)Ensuring a Brighter Future for All of America’s Youth 2)Mobilizing More Volunteers 3)Harnessing Baby Boomers’ Experience. We currently serve at-risk populations in Boston & LA with a holistic approach recognizing the need for quality supervised care & enrichment activities for youth during after school hours & the need for college prep, higher education information & counseling as well as volunteer recruitment & capacity building. 

Low-income working parents have a great need for ASPs. The Collaborative for Academic Learning reports that “7 million children in the US are without adult supervision for some period of time after school” even though parents agree that extra help after school is an effective way to increase academic performance. Parents also have a great need for academic improvement & college readiness help for teens. The Dept of Ed reports that only about 70% of high school students nationwide graduate. In our target areas the graduation rate is lower than the national average. Black & Latino students represent the highest percentage of those not graduating & are consistently on the lowest end of standardized test scores. Nationally, 50% of low income students enter college compared to 80% of high-income students, demonstrating a great need to raise teen aspirations & provide guidance on getting into college. 

In 2008, TechMission Corps will provide 50 AmeriCorps Members & volunteers to a network of faith-based Service Sites in Boston, LA, Chicago, Denver & New York serving at-risk communities providing: 

(1) K-8 Afterschool Programs: Members will support ASP Service Sites providing academic support services & weekly technology activities to more than 1000 at-risk K-8th grade students.

(2) Teen Programs: Members will assist in serving more than 500 at-risk high school students by providing technology training & academic assistance & helping staff to provide college readiness & placement services.

(3) Capacity Building: Members will assist with recruiting volunteers, securing in-kind donations & training community leaders on effectively using technology in community programs.