Mission: Byte Back’s mission is to improve economic opportunity for low-income residents of the Washington DC area by providing computer training and employment readiness skills.
Results: Byte Back alleviates poverty by providing students with a clear pathway to a family-sustaining career. Within five months, our students, our students can learn and become certified in skills that make them qualified for IT and business support positions that pay $30,000-$70,000 annually and offer full benefits. When coupled with our job readiness and career services supports, Byte Back's courses give students everything they need to obtain such a position. For most, their post-Byte Back employment is their first experience with a full-time, salaried position with benefits. These jobs enable our alumni to build generational wealth and model career-focused behavior for their children and grandchildren. Byte Back's model and approach is exactly the type of direct-service, tangible support that communities need to break the cycle of generational poverty.
As a licensed post-secondary educational institution, Byte Back teaches more than 900 students annually at nearly two dozen sites in the District. We offer cutting edge IT certification training programs to broaden students' employment opportunities and place them into living wage careers in IT and business services. Our students come to us with all levels of computer experience from those who touch a computer for the first time on their first day of class to those who can refurbish a laptop in minutes. In March 2016, Byte Back was honored as an American Graduate Champion by Howard University Television. In addition, we were recently renewed as a recipient for both the United Way and Combined Federal Campaigns. We are a designated Catalogue for Philanthropy Best Nonprofit (2014-2015 and 2010-2011) and a two-time finalist for The Washington Post Award for Excellence in Non-profit Management.
Recent outcomes include:
• Digital Literacy: 670 students enrolled in beginner computer classes (82% completion rate, 84% pass rate); 252 students enrolled in intermediate (Microsoft Office Track) classes (73% completion rate, 89% pass rate) with all passing intermediate students completing an effective resume and cover letter.
• Certification Courses: In Fiscal Year 2015, we enrolled 184 certification students with 135 students completing a certification class. Eighty-one of these students received at least one certification with 55 students obtaining new employment. Students who held employment coming into the program are not included in the new employment data. The average hourly wage was $16.25 for part- and full-time jobs.
• Byte Back student satisfaction and referral rates averaged more than 90%.
Target demographics: improve economic opportunity for low-income residents
Direct beneficiaries per year: 963
Geographic areas served: Washington, DC Metro Area
Programs: digital literacy courses, advanced IT Certification training, and job readiness and career development services
Byte Back is a fine place to take classes, assist in community training, contribute to as well as keep in touch with. The staff and instructors have been very good for many. Some time ago I wanted to learn how to clean my computer. I attended sessions there and learned how plus some. I actually learned how to dismantle and rebuild one. It was a tremendous experience and joy. Prior to that I'd attended other Byte Back training sessions that enhanced my ability to use Personal Computers, the internet and write/decipher code, ... I thank God for Byte Back and its staff and will continue to encourage others to attend and contribute to Byte Back. I pray for the continuation of this program and for all involved in it. THANK YOU very much Byte Back!
I have been attending classes at Byte Back for a number of years. I am currently employed as a program assistant at an International Organization and wanted to keep my skills up to date, because of Byte Back's schedule and pricing I am able to attend the classes that I need.
There was also a class on Budgeting which was very well received by everyone who attended.
I can truly say that Byte Back provides a necessary service to everyone.
I work for one of Byte Back's partner organizations, Academy of Hope. We were able to start our computer program years ago because of a wonderful Byte Back Intern, Mimi, who later joined our staff for several years. Today, once again, Byte Back helps us offer classes at our school.
