The Technology Empowerment Center creates innovative partnerships that bring technology to underserved populations by focusing on closing the digital divide and providing access to computer technology and software training. We aim to reduce the growing inequality of access to information technologies among low-income and disadvantaged groups.
Program Goals:
Provide a professional training environment for community members to continue developing and enhancing their technology skills beyond the basics in order to compete in the global workforce
Refurbish and distribute computers to low-income communities, individuals and community organizations
Program Objectives:
Provide training opportunities to increase transferable job skills to prepare participants for a technology driven workplace
Provide technical support and training
Enhance basic and advanced computer skills
Make technology accessible and affordable
Evaluate, utilize and promote technology tools and programs to better serve our clients
Computer Classes
The goal of our computer training program is to provide people with essential computer skills that are needed today in the workforce, in school and in every day life. By providing free computer classes for community residents, we are helping them build their skills so they are able to obtain a job or continue on with their education. Our computer lab has 14 computers which are all updated with the latest software and technology. Our classes occur every week with morning and afternoon classes available. Class Descriptions
Applying for Computers
Anyone living in the Twin Cities area, have some type of income and fall below the 150% poverty level may qualify for a computer. See requirements.
Tech Support & Repair
The Technology Empowerment Center offers tech support and repair services. We also have parts available for purchase. More details.
Computer Donations
The Technology Empowerment Center takes old, donated computers that aren't being used, refurbish them and give them to people living in the Twin Cities area who aren't able to afford a computer. As a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR), we will properly decommission your computers by following the government data-wiping standards of the Department of Defense and will also issue a Certificate of Destruction if requested. Instead of ending up in a landfill, the refurbished computers will be supplied to disadvantaged communities that need access to the benefits of technology that they cannot currently afford. Learn more.
