TECH CORPS Texas

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TECH CORPS Texas - Enhancing Education through Technology

Our Vision

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Imagine a technically literate society, a globally competitive workforce, life-long learners, active and involved citizens, and equal opportunity learning. That is the vision of TECH CORPS Texas, and we’ve chosen K-12 schools and youth-serving organizations as the vehicle through which to achieve it.

TECH CORPS Texas is a Houston-based 501(c)3 social enterprise dedicated to enhancing education through technology in order to help ensure that today’s students complete their education and are prepared to complete in the global workforce.

TECH CORPS Texas is the only program of its kind in the state. We work to accomplish our goals through the implementation of quality technology education programs on school campuses throughout Texas, and through the redeployment of quality refurbished computers to schools, organizations, and individuals, including our proud military veterans. Since our launch in May, 2002, TECH CORPS Texas programs, computers, and/or volunteers have been in more than 60 schools statewide and redployed more than 3000 computers into schools, organizations, and to individuals.

We invite you to learn more about our organization by clicking the links on your left, and thank you for stopping by!

 

Community Help Desk Program launches at the Leaders Academy!

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TECH CORPS Texas’ successful summer program, The Community Help Desk, is moving to local charter school Leader’s Academy. Beginning January 11, the program, at no cost to students, will last 2 hours a day three times a week, until the end of the school year, giving students the extended access and increased exposure to technology they need to complete the curriculum. The special curriculum designed to engage students through intensive technology education coursework, supervised learning activities, and the exploration of educational and career pathways, will prepare students to succeed in today’s technology-charged global workforce.

The school-based pilot program fits perfectly with the Leader’s Academy mission statement; to ensure the academic, social, and professional success of students through cutting edge technology, while creating a strong sense of personal accountability and civic consciousness.  Personal accountability as a part of the global workforce of tomorrow will be secured today with student participation in the pilot program, which will train young people with marketable professional skills. “We will bring professionals in to talk to the students about different career options,” says TECH CORPS Texas President, Danny Perry, “students can expect to be prepared to test for A+ level certification, as well as other industry level certifications.”

Made possible by grants from the Gulf Coast Community Services, and the efforts of TECH CORPS Texas, this program is part of a greater government stimulus plan to jump-start the economy by teaching the youth of America the relevant technology skills needed to contribute to the betterment of the individual, and the individual’s community.  “Some of the goals of this program,” explains Perry, “is to provide instruction to this particular group of students in technology based applications/careers, and define the pathways necessary to achieve their goals.”

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TECHie Club Boots Up at Berry Elementary

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Students at Berry Elementary love the newly implemented “TECHie Club” after school program, which allows them supplemental access and exposure to computers in an environment where technology can be limited. TECHie Club is a program initiated by TECH CORPS Texas utilizing a holistic approach to preparing tomorrow’s technologically literate workforce by nurturing and supporting elementary students today. 

This focused and collaborative effort takes place with the help of volunteer instructors. Throughout the year, students in grades 3-5 gather on Mondays and Fridays in the computer lab for an hour-long session sharing a common interest in computers. Not surprising, at this level, a student’s enthusiasm can often be frustrated by a lack of essential computer skills, such as typing, and a basic understanding of how computers work.



TECHie Club addresses these developmental learning challenges in an after-school program that is both educational and fun. Roughly 25 Berry Elementary students participate in TECHie Club’s interactive curriculum, which is specifically designed for students in grades 3-5, and focuses on the fundamentals of computer programming, informatics, and digital media. Students also learn to use the Internet as a tool, and with adult supervision, begin to self select programming and information that is safe, useful and relevant to their learning goals.


TECHie Clubbers learn skills that help them succeed in the classroom, and ultimately to succeed in a technologically-driven workplace. Students are introduced to exciting and varied career opportunities in the technology industry, and become aware firsthand that even basic typing skills are a necessary requirement for almost every job. By dramatically increasing their exposure to computers and the World Wide Web, we hope to encourage the students of Berry Elementary to boot up and harness the power of technology to grow and develop their future education and career opportunities.

 

Computers For Kids Delivers 65 Computers to Mark Twain Elementary Students

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On October 7th, TECH CORPS Texas staff and volunteers helped deliver 65 newly refurbished computers for distribution throughout the 36 classrooms at recognized IB World School, Mark Twain Elementary in the Houston ISD.  Provided through the Computers For Kids program local technology non-profit TECH CORPS Texas was able to save Mark Twain Elementary tens of thousands of dollars.

“Low price, high quality computers are what schools need,” said newly appointed Principal John Baker, “too many students graduate without basic computer skills, because the schools cannot afford to keep up.” Keyboarding, word processing, and researching skills are at risk as the computer workstation quality deteriorates. “This is a very nice school,” adds Principal Baker, “but the technology is not up to date.” With some classrooms boasting smart boards and projectors it was a large priority to trade the computers in triage fashion, with the oldest and most problematic units being replaced first.

Principal John Baker and Mark Twain Elementary Students pose with the schools namesake

The recipients of the freshly refurbished computers, students in grades k-5, were overjoyed at the prospect of new additions to their technology workstations. Interactive computer games are an easy way to get students excited about learning. “We use the computer every day. It is my most favorite station in the classroom,” said one second grade student. “We play math magician to help with addition. If you get all of the answers right, you can move to the next level,” he continued. When asked whether this game helped his classroom performance, he responded enthusiastically, “Yes! I always get good grades.”

“These kids are not power users,” said Principal John Baker, “and they don’t need a desktop computer the same way an adult would; however, there are certain operating standards we try to uphold.” “Of the many ways to use technology in the classroom at the elementary level,” he continued, “a computer is only useful to students and teachers if it has good internet capability and an up-to date operating system.” With most computers in the school still running Windows 98, it was time for an upgrade. Adds Principal Baker, "the differential paying a refurbishing fee for these reconditioned units versus buying new computers, is the same as a teachers salary and full benefits."

 

 

TECH CORPS Texas Hosts Bytes & Birdies Honors Gala at Hotel ZaZa

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HOUSTON, Texas (September 23, 2009) - On the evening of Thursday, September 10, 200 guests gathered to attend the first annual Bytes & Birdies Honors Gala and Cocktail party at the Hotel ZaZa in Houston’s museum district.  The event benefited local nonprofit TECH CORPS Texas, and was chaired by Honorary Chairman Denis DeBakey, and Event Co-Chairs Leisa Holland Nelson and Brian Gaubert.  Philamena and Arthur Baird were recognized for their years of dedication in support of education in Texas.

The event supported TECH CORPS Texas’ technology education programs and computer redistribution efforts, and sponsors included media partner Health and Fitness Magazine, Arthur and Philamena Baird, Bud Light/Silver Eagle Distributors, Content Active LLC, Pennino and Partners, Bill and Susanne Pritchard, Computer Tech, Tiffany and Co., Melanie Gray, The Capital Grille, Exchange Club of East Dallas, and many other friends and supporters of TECH CORPS Texas.

The evening was emceed by Emmy award winning news anchor, Linda Lorelle, whose own charity, The Linda Lorelle Scholarship Fund, was acknowledged as a proud recipient of TECH CORPS Texas’ generosity.  “I am happy to be here tonight,” said Lorelle, “TECH CORPS Texas is a non-profit I have worked with and believe in.”

To view more images from the Bytes & Birdies Gala, please click here.

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TECH CORPS Texas Hosts Bytes & Birdies Charity Golf Tournament at Wildcat Golf Club!

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HOUSTON, Texas (September 23, 2009)-On the morning of Friday, September 11, more than 50 guests, players, and volunteers gathered at Houston’s Wildcat Golf Club to play in the 4th annual TECH CORPS Texas Charity Golf Tournament.  This year’s tournament was staged as part of the Bytes & Birdies fundraising events which honored the contributions of Philamena and Arthur Baird in support of education.

Breakfast was served courtesy of The Breakfast Klub, followed by a shotgun start promptly at 8AM.  Players took their positions on the course for the scramble format event, and despite a little rain, “No one left the course,” said Danny Perry, President of TECH CORPS Texas, “Everyone had a fantastic time out there today.”

 

The winning team, comprised of local golf writers including Todd Hveem of the Houston Chronicle, was presented with an award for their low score of 61 at a ceremony immediately following the tournament. Further recognition was given to Clay Rutan for winning the longest drive competition, and Scott Crain, winner of the closet to the pin contest. The tournament and awards ceremony were captured thanks to Ronnie Boswell and Shoots Photography.

Sponsors included Bud Light/Silver Eagle Distributors, Computer Tech, The Breakfast Klub, Turning Point Group, Floodbreak, Governor Mark White, Content Active, among others. All proceeds from the Bytes & Birdies tournament benefited TECH CORPS Texas, a local non-profit that supports technology education and provides low cost computers and technology services to underprivileged schools, community organizations, returning military veterans, and other individuals in need.

 

For more event photos, please click here.

 

TECH CORPS Texas Pilots the Community Help Desk Program at HPL!

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TECH CORPS Texas, in association with the Houston Public Library WeCAN Works initiative, the City of Houston, the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program, and the Houston Worksource, are pleased to announce the successful launch of the Community Help Desk Program. This program is the latest in TECH CORPS Texas’ continuing commitment to deliver meaningful, timely programs to meet students’ and communities needs. The Community Help Desk Summer Program was designed for high school students, college students, and young adults possessing the potential and desire to succeed. Through the program, these eager but often disadvantaged youth, were armed with positive skills and experiences to overcome employment barriers. Students were encouraged to aim for higher education, degrees, and certifications, in order to become independent, productive members of the growing technology-driven workforce.

Involving 40 students, the 30-hour program ran from June 26 to August 7, and included basic skills tutoring, various technology topics (Computer hardware, troubleshooting basics, basic networking, emerging technologies and technical writing, digital media, databases, and programming), interactive technology workshops, life skills workshops, career exploration, and professional development guest speakers representing companies in the Houston area.


Guest speakers included Leon Collins, Director of Development at Phelps-Stokes Foundation, Perry Busby, Change Control Manager at The Planet, Gina Clarke-Anderson, Metro Marketing Director-Texas at DeVry University, Leisa Holland-Nelson, President/COO of Content Active LLC, and Doug Erwin, President/CEO of The Planet. These speakers helped the students to develop key relationships with technology mentors who shared their experiences and perspectives. Participants also developed collaborative problem solving skills with hands-on projects, increased their math and were demonstrated educational and employment pathways into the technology arena.

The TECH CORPS Texas Community Help Desk Summer Program has proven to be a valuable educational resource that can be utilized on behalf of the entire community. TECH CORPS Texas plans to offer an expanded, 32 week version of the program in fall 2009.

If you would like more information on this or other TECH CORPS Texas programs, please call us at (713) 895-3775, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

TECH CORPS Texas is a Houston-based, 501(c)3 organization that believes in order to ensure America’s technologically literate workforce of tomorrow, we must take a holistic approach to growing, nurturing, and supporting students today.  Our mission is to enhance K-12 education through the innovative use of technology, which we achieve by recruiting, training and supporting tech-savvy volunteers, and moving them into schools to support teachers, students, infrastructure, and programs.

 
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