TechReach of Central Virginia

Bridging the Digital Divide

Additional Information

TechReach’s Mission

TechReach is a 501c3 charity dedicated to technology. Our goal is to increase the availability of computer resources for central Virginia’s citizens – particularly underprivileged youth and adults. We accomplish this by taking “end of life cycle” computers donated by Richmond area businesses, refurbish them and pass them on free of charge to the areas under privileged.

Goal

We believe that by facilitating equal access to technology and providing equal opportunity for technical literacy TechReach will help prepare students to be successful in life by developing their knowledge of technology and improving their computer skills. We also provide underprivileged adults the tools to be a productive member of today’s technology oriented society. This in turn will translate into a highly skilled, technology savvy work force for the region. The resulting rising tide will float all boats.

Technology Literacy and the Digital Divide

Literacy used to be defined as reading and writing; but recently, being literate requires a working knowledge of computers and software applications. The term digital divide refers to the gap between those people with effective access to information technology and those without. It includes both the imbalances in physical access to technology and the imbalances in resources and skills needed to effectively participate as a productive citizen (technology literacy). In others words, it’s the unequal access by some members of society to information technology and the unequal acquisition of related skills.

Groups most often negatively affected by the digital divide include socioeconomic (rich/poor), racial, and geographical (urban/rural). Meanwhile, corporations face the constant challenge of staying up to date with technology so they can maintain a competitive edge. Consequently, older machines often are left to the trash heap; this waste is harmful for the environment and is costly to dispose of. TechReach strives to help close the literacy gap by reaching out to our community’s disadvantaged and bridging the digital divide.

Examples of people and organizations who have been helped by TechReach:

Individual high school students who cannot afford PCs

Underprivileged adults who completed GED course

The Healing Place computer lab to train recovering addicts

CARITAS Shelters

Embrace Richmond

JFS lab to train seniors to ease their computer anxieties

William Byrd House

Junior Achievement

Richmond Public Schools

Chesterfield Jaycees

Goochland Fellowship and Free Clinic,

Va. Star Program

The Healing Place

Goochland Anti-Litter and Recycling Committee