Technology Service Corps

The Technology Service Corps (TSC) is a unique NPower initiative that enlists and trains low-income urban youth to meet the demand for skilled technology workers in the U.S. Begun in 2002 as a small pilot program at NPower's affiliate in New York, TSC is now expanding to serve 105 local participants per year, and offer Microsoft professional certification opportunities to every student.

Program Summary

TSC offers a free, 18-week intensive IT training program to low-income youth and young adults (ages 18-25), and then places graduates in full-time employment throughout New York City's nonprofit, business and public sectors. Participants practice their new skills and give back to their communities by performing service internships and volunteer work for area nonprofits.

The program has experienced steady growth since it began, and consistent high (80%) graduation and placement rates. Because of its success, TSC has grown to serve as many as 111 students/year, in a dedicated Brooklyn-based training facility. As part of this evolution, TSC introduced a Microsoft professional certification component for each student. Finally, NPower will soon launch a new three-year plan to begin TSC chapters at other NPower affiliates.

Benefits of Program

TSC helps young people who are at high risk for lifelong poverty become job-ready for a technologically sophisticated workplace. At the same time, it meets the urgent need for skilled new IT workers in the U.S., demand for which will continue to grow over the next ten years. Specifically, TSC students develop PC configuration and networking skills, troubleshooting, customer service and communication skills, while acquiring an understanding of a professional work environment. Graduates typically experience large income gains after graduation; on average, salaries climb by 145%. Finally, students develop a robust social consciousness by providing service internships at New York City nonprofits and leading volunteer initiatives.

All told, for every dollar invested in TSC, more than $16 is returned to the community. As TSC expands further, we expect its Social Return on Investment (SROI) to grow even higher.

Enrollment and Graduation

For the three New York City classes graduating in 2008, TSC enrolled a record 111 candidates. Three of every four TSC students completed the program. TSC also recruited 40 new students to join its first class in 2008, and is on track to enroll 50 new students for its second class in 2009.

Student Demographics

TSC’s student population is strongly representative of low-income youth in New York City, who are disproportionately African American and Latino. As in past year, the majority of 2008 students lived in low-income neighborhoods in upper Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Graduate Employment

As of January 2009, our graduates are working throughout New York City at organizations such as The New York Foundling Hopsital, Cornell University, NYU Medical Center, Abyssinian Development Corporation, St. John's Bread and Life and Columbia Teacher's College.

Income Gain and Social Return on Investment (SROI)

Evaluation data show that TSC effectively lifts graduates out of poverty. On average, TSC graduates earn $27,595 in their first year out, compared with just $11,250 prior to joining the program.

Evaluation data also show that TSC has an impressive SROI: $16 for every $1 spent. One reason is that TSC very often drives the creation of new jobs for our economy, not just better and more productive lives for its participants.
Source: Three-Year TSC Evaluation

Application

To learn about applying from the program contact the Admissions Office.