WHO WE TEACH
Our classes bring together a diverse community of students from every ward in the District of Columbia as well as Maryland and Virginia. Though most were born in the United States, our foreign-born students come from 42 different countries and territories. Many of our students are struggling when they arrive at Byte Back. Almost half of our student population lives in unstable housing and most of our students (80%) are receiving government benefits. Eighty-three percent (83%) lack a college degree and half are unemployed and actively seeking work. We match each student with the course that fits their needs and abilities. Some of our students are looking for basic computer skills that will allow them to use online health resources, stay in touch with loved ones, or apply for jobs online. Students in our Enterprise DC program enroll in courses that will help them create new businesses, and our certification students want to qualify for higher-paying jobs. Many of our students choose to stay and take more classes, volunteer their time, or even become Byte Back staff members.
STUDENT AGE
15
Youngest
45
Average
90
Oldest
40% Men
60% Women
43% HOMELESS OR
NEAR HOMELESS
A community of learning
91%
76%
9%
10% 1%
8% 4%
20% 23%
IN FY2013, WE HAD:
1,750 REGISTRATIONS FROM 1,146 STUDENTS 1,579 ENROLLMENTS FROM 1,026 STUDENTS 1,262 COMPLETIONS 47,355 COURSE HOURS
9%
25%
28% Employed
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
51 VETERANS
97 RETURNING CITIZENS
WHERE WE TEACH
We believe that organizations must work together to overcome the digital divide. Our partnerships allow us to provide our classes and workshops at 22 locations that are safe and convenient for our students while helping our sister organizations meet their educational needs. We also frequently collaborate with other organizations on our programs, such as Enterprise DC or our IC3 Youth classes. We were lucky to be the recipient of generous in-kind donations last year, especially through donations of time and talent; 158 dedicated volunteers gave 25,111 hours to our organization last year. We are grateful for the talented, highly-qualified instructors, tutors, and other workers who helped make last year fruitful and effective. At Byte Back, we pride ourselves in our dedication to supporting our partners however we can. Whether its spreading the word about an important initiative or setting up a computer lab at another nonprofit, we know that by strengthening our partners, we strengthen our community.
"Our partnership with Byte Back led to our first real computer lab and when Southeast Ministry started to cross the digital divide it meant that we could take our learners with us. Digital literacy is not a luxury, it is a necessity." Valarie Ashley, Executive Director of Southeast Ministry
Provided
91%
Sites:
Anacostia Library Bellevue Library Benning Library Byte Back headquarters Capitol View Library Covenant House Faircliff Plaza West Apartments The Family Place First Time Technology Francis Gregory Library Hill Center International Rescue Committee Jubilee Housing Language ETC Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Mount Pleasant Library The Perry School Community Services Center Inc. Southeast Ministry Strive DC Washington Literacy Center Washington Middle School for Girls Woodridge Library
DIGITAL LITERACY
For many of our beginner students, computers are a source of frustration, confusion, or embarrassment. In our most basic class, we start students off with simple tasks that most people take for granted, such as how to turn on a computer, use a keyboard, and move a mouse. Last year, we separated our most popular course into two sections: PC for Beginners 1 and PC for Beginners 2. This change allowed us to better match each students skill level with the appropriate course. During the two-part course, students are guided through practical skills of navigating the dc.gov website, researching a health condition online, emailing an elected official, and searching and applying for employment. Above all, we want our students to feel comfortable using computers, and to possess the tools they need to continue to learn and adapt to new technology. In FY13, Byte Back had 882 enrollments in 103 PC for Beginners classes, with a completion rate of 81% . Ninety-four percent (94%) of these students passed the course, ready to move on to the next level. Students increased their use of computers by 384%, from 4 to 15 hours per week. Many of the classes were customized for certain groups , including Spanish-speakers, senior citizens and literacy learners. By the end of our PC for Beginners course, many express a desire to pursue other learning opportunities, such as obtaining their GED or enrolling in college. Within six months of completing this course, 26% of students have already acted on that desire.
I'm overwhelmed that you guys are able to offer free classes. You guys open the door for us to catch up with the world. - Byte Back Graduate
882
96%
Byte Back changed the way that I look at things. I dont approach any subject with the thought that it cant be done. With the Internet, I feel like I can find information on anything or how to do anything. - Byte Back Graduate
Below is a list of ways you might use the computer. Please mark any which apply to you. Because of the classes I took at Byt e Back, I have used the computer
To search for jobs To update my resume or cover letter To apply for a job online To stay in touch with family and friends To communicate with my child's school or teachers To help my family members with homework To research colleges and/or financial aid To manage my health or my family's health To manage m y money To stay on top of the news To get involved with my community To pay attention to my government To get services from government To participate in government None of the above 8.1% 26.7% 36.3% 30.4% 25.2% 19.3% 17.0% 34.8% 46.7% 48.1% 60.7% 78.5% 77.8% 71.9% 67.4%
of our beginner students feel like they can apply what theyve learned outside of
OFFICE TRACK
Office Track is a comprehensive course which includes instruction in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, as well as job readiness training. Last year, we offered this course in both English and Spanish. This course is a critical step for students who want to qualify for entry level administrative positions as well as those who simply want to feel more comfortable on a computer. Each Office Track graduate receives a free refurbished computer so that they may continue to practice their new computer skills at home. Many Byte Back students have had negative experiences with education in the past, and their classes here may be the first time they feel comfortable in a classroom. We work hard to instill in our students a love of learning that they can take with them long after they finish their Byte Back courses. We are proud that our students leave here feeling confident and ready for their next challenge.
62.0%
6.0%
GED/EDP
5.6%
14.0%
24.0%
Other
412
185%
STUDENT STORY
After being incarcerated for 18 years, Lashonia Etheridge-Bey returned to a workplace dominated by unfamiliar technology. People take for granted that everyone understands technology, she said. Byte Back gave me the opportunity to confront that. We were able to immediately apply what [Byte Back] was teaching us. Ms. Etheridge-Bey is now pursuing her bachelors degree at Trinity University and working as a staff assistant for the Office on Returning Citizens Affairs where she helps other returning citizens gain critical skills.
Photo credit: Gabriela Bulisova
Average wage for pre-Byte Back jobs Average wage for "better" Byte Back jobs (students who were employed before Byte Back and then got a new, better job) Average wage for new Byte Back jobs (students who were unemployed before Byte Back) Average for all new jobs
I am very grateful for the classes and volunteers that teach the classes. Byte Back gave me the confidence I need to apply for and start a new job. - Byte Back Graduate
80%
63%
COMMUNITY ACADEMY
For students who are ready for more advanced training, we offer a variety of classes geared towards specialized topics and skills. Last year, we offered PC Hardware and Networking, a prerequisite to our A+ program, as well as IC3 and HTML 1&2. We partnered with Sasha Bruce YouthBuild to offer our Technology Sampler to their participants, introducing young adults to the skills needed for IT careers such as database management, computer repair, graphic design and web design. We also offered Money Management 101 in partnership with Capital Area Asset Builders. Another program we offered last year within Community Academy was Enterprise DC, an innovative pilot program created and implemented by Byte Back, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), and the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC) to help local residents develop new businesses. The yearlong entrepreneurship training program provided free computer training, financial advice, business plan support, business mentoring, and loan assistance to support participants efforts to turn a hobby or skill into a profitable business. Through Byte Back, students received business technology training in Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Graphic Design, Website Design, Microsoft Access, social media marketing, and e-commerce. By the end of each course, students had a completed project that contributed to their business: a logo, a brochure, a business card, a website, a Facebook page, an Etsy account, a QuickBooks
97
The Web Site Design course enabled me to promote my business at a low cost price. The Graphic Design course was useful with the promotional aspects of ones business. The Online Tools course encouraged me to explore all possibilities of communicating effectively with ones clients. The QuickBooks course was an excellent "record keeping" courseOffice Track was the key stone to the other computer skills. Thanks everyone at Byte Back for the wisdom and support. - Enterprise DC student
STUDENT STORY
Turning a passion into a business
Ugenia Johnson can look at a skein of yarn and see a potential work of art. "Every time I pick up a needle or yarn I never know what what's going to come out," she said. Ugenia was unemployed when she first heard about Enterprise DC and she decided to turn her passion for knitting into a living. Enterprise DC opened her eyes to how to properly manage a successful business. She took Office Track, Access, QuickBooks, and Web Design at Byte Back, developed a business plan with WACIF, and met regularly with a business mentor through the GWHCC. While completing the program, Ugenia found work as a paralegal, which allows her to practice her computer skills. Shes also working hard on her first fashion show for her new hand-knitted garment business, I-Ninth. In addition to selling her fall line, she plans to expand her business in other ways such as training people how to use a commercial knitting machine.
Enterprise DC student businesses include affordable wedding planning; disc jockey services; hand-knit fashion; client-driven research on international issues; modeling coaching; and hand-sewn baby items.
CERTIFICATIONS
Lack of education is a serious limiting factor in competing for jobs. Seventy-two percent (72%) of our certification students do not have a bachelors degree. They need specialized qualifications in order to compete within the highly-educated Washington D.C. workforce, where only 30% of jobs are held by D.C. residents. IT certifications allow job seekers without a college degree to transition directly into high-paying professional fields. Weve selected certifications that show industry employers that our students are knowledgeable and up to date on relevant, in-demand IT skills. Our classes are designed to be building blocks for a lifelong IT career. Our largest programs prepare students for the Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC) and A+ Certification Training. In addition to what these students gain in the classroom, both classes feature hands-on internships and practical career preparation.
STUDENT STORY
Getting back to work
Four years ago, Clark Scott lost his job in a reduction in force just three months before he was due to retire. Despite 24 years of experience and an outstanding employee record, Mr. Scott found himself back on the job market in a tough economy. After years of searching, he decided to add new credentials to his resume. Mr. Scott took Byte Backs A+ Certification Training Program last summer and successfully passed both A+ exams. A few months later, he was hired as the IT Specialist for the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Service Department. He was chosen out of hundreds of applicants for the position, and he is now making $75,000 a year.
Career Goals
I had taken other computer certification classes but none of them motivated or prepared me enough to take the A+ exam. What I got at Byte Back was a small classroom setting where everyone is like a family and where I was able to get direct attention. - A+ Certified Byte Back Graduate
No Career Goals Start a Business Change Careers Get a Raise Get a Promotion Hold onto My Current Job Get a Job 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
67%
24 students 41
ing employment as a computer repair technician, computer support specialist, or help desk operator
6 students
7 students took MCITP Certification Training targeting employment as a computer support specialist or help desk operator
These students passed a total of 112 industryrecognized certification exams and have already received 37 full certifications.
Byte Back has really been a blessing to me it has raised my confidence in the technology world, and I am able to help others because of Byte Back. -Byte Back Graduate
$15
200
198
Its hard when you work and go to school. I didn't have the time to go to the library or the money to pay for a computer. The computer I got from Byte Back has been a huge asset." - Byte Back graduate and computer recipient
STUDENT STORY
Rahel Yacob knew she wanted to take computer classes, but she couldnt find a school that worked for her. Everything she found was too expensive, crowded, or chaotic. She wanted a classroom setting that allowed her to focus on the material. A friend suggested that she try Byte Back. A year later, Ms. Yacob has passed five more classes and is on track to complete our A+ Certification training course. As soon as Ms. Yacob started her first Byte Back class, she knew shed finally found the right school. The classes were focused and she loves the hands-on training shes getting at First Time Technology. When I go to apply for jobs I know what is expected and I know what I need to do. I feel very confident now.
Byte Back staff and student interns refurbish approximately 20 donated computers per week, or 1,000 per year.
130
567
SUPPORT SERVICES
Students are most successful when they are given the resources they need to work towards their personal goals. If a student needs extra help outside of class, they can attend one of our weekly tutoring sessions. In these sessions, students get one-on-one assistance on everything from classwork to job applications. Community members from companies like Deloitte, Accenture, and Discovery Communications volunteer their time for these tutoring sessions. During each business day, we also provide a free computer lab that is open to anyone in the community. Some students come for additional practice time while others come to submit job applications or check their email. Computer labs are a critical resource to those who lack a personal computer or access to the Internet. For students who are also job seekers, we provide a wide range of resources. This past year, we held monthly Job Clubs with networking, mock interviews, and guest speakers including Ben Seigel from the Department of Labor. We also sent out a monthly Job Connections newsletter with job readiness tips and curated job postings. Our full-time Employment Specialist met one-on-one with 69 students to provide them with personalized support on their job search. We also created and implemented a 16-hour job readiness curriculum for the students in our A+ Certification Training Program. At Byte Back, we are continually working and innovating to provide our students with effective, holistic support to get them where they want to go.
STUDENT STORY
Lawrence Williams worked as a mail clerk in a law firm for years, but he lost his job when he was briefly incarcerated. When he found himself back on the job market, he realized he lacked the skills or experience to compete for an office job. Lawrence enrolled in Byte Backs beginner courses and sought extra support in our special tutoring sessions. After listening to the advice of his teachers and tutors, he revamped his resume and learned how to talk about his incarceration during interviews. This approach paid off this spring when he found a contractual job working for a property manager. He calls the new position a match made in heaven and believes it may turn into something long-term. But hes not slowing down his studies; he recently enrolled in a money management course at Byte Back and hes still going to tutoring. My experiences have all been very positive here at Byte Back, Mr. Williams said. I appreciate the fact that they meet people exactly where you are and work with you. Everyones in different places in life and Byte Back understands that.
BOARD
Chair, Mario Burney, Edge Advisory Group, LLC Vice-Chair, Keith Clark, Intelsat Treasurer, Charles Colbert, Department of Defense Treasurer, Ron Hulen, Fannie Mae Secretary, Jewel T. Scott, Dean & Company Finance Committee Chair, Adnan Bokhari, Corporation for Enterprise Development Strategic Planning Committee Chair, Linda Esah, Corporation for National Ex Officio, Kelley Ellsworth, Byte Back Carolyn Hyde, Government Acquisitions, Inc. Jd Walter, Eidolon Data LLC.
AMERICORPS VOLUNTEERS
Celia Burke David Foster Lisvette Garcia Cherise Graves Erica Heller Lorena Holguin Andrea Mack Faith Nwaoha Andrew Quilpa Neil Rickard Scott Ryan Lydia Vanderbilt Alaide Vilchis Ibarra
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
Covenant House DC D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES) D.C. Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) D.C. Office on Latino Affairs (OLA) D.C. Public Library (DCPL) Sasha Bruce Youth Works, Inc. Serve DC U.S. Department of Labor
D.C. Office of the State Superintendent for Education (OSSE) U.S. Department of Commerce
ADDITIONAL FUNDERS
901 Monroe Development Acquired Data Solutions, Inc. American Institute for Research Antiok Inc Brookland Hardware Campbell Communications Inc. Educational Research Institute El Tamarindo Fannie Mae Focus Media Inc Keepers Staffing Members Give National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) National Student Clearing House Peyton Group Recycle America Alliance Sislen and Associates Stellar Coaching Strive DC SuPau Trust TechnoRepair The Hill Group Quinn Consulting United Way Washington Ethical Society
PARTNERS
Accenture Acquired Data Capital Area Asset Builders Covenant House DOES Project Empowerment DOES Senior Community Service Employment Program D.C. Office on Returning Citizen Affairs (ORCA) DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative DC Public Library DC Public Library Adaptive Services Division DC Public Library Adult Literacy Resource Center Deloitte Delta Sigma Theta Discovery Communications Faircliff Plaza West Apartments The Family Place First Time Computers Jubilee Housing Jubilee Jobs Hill Center International Rescue Committee Language ETC The Perry School Community Services Center Inc. Public Allies Salvation Army-National Capital Area Command Sasha Bruce Youthwork Southeast Ministry Streetwise Partners Strive DC Tech Guys DC Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) Washington Literacy Center Washington Middle School for Girls
David Naval Jr. & Robert Stol- Colleen & Thomas Griffin worthy H.Y. Griffin Katy Davis Jerryl & Curl Guy Laurie B. Davis Pala Davis David Deal Simone Devaney Lisa Haidara Venida Hamilton Susan Hamsher
Michael & Marlene Harrison Souleymane Diop - Technore- Cortney Haugen pair, Inc. Jane Hautanen Lowell Dodge Marina Havan Lowell Dodge Jennifer K. Druliner James M. Dunham James M. Dunham Mary McGahey Dwan Sebastian Ehreiser Katherine & Peter Ellsworth Kelley Ellsworth Samuel & Maryann Ellsworth Linda Esah Richael A. Faithful Nicole Feemster Hector Feijoo Lisa & Ira Feit Serafina Fernandez Duque Barry Flack Terry Flood Adrienne Chevelle Glymph Foster Cheryl A. Foster Andrena Hawkins Felicia Hawkins Philip Heinrich Rhonda Henderson
Laurence Platt & Clare Hering- Ann Matikan ton Carol Mbabazi Sarah Hiller John S. Hochgraf Karen Holmes Ingeborg Holt Perry Pidgeon Hooks The Horton Family Ellen Denise Hovington Jessica M. Howe John Huffman Jessica R. Hulen Ronald S. Hulen Vincent Hurteau Moses Jackson Jonathan Jaeger Claudette John Allison Willis Jones Katrina Jones Nakeisha Neal Jones Stephen & Patricia Jones JP Morgan Anna Karavangelos Anthony R. Keith Jr. Maura Kinney Molly Kirkpatrick Megan Ko Sharlene Kranz David McBride Mark & Julie McCaffrey Tamara McCants Kathleen McManus Rita & Barton McPheeters Endra M. McPherson Robert McVearry Jennifer Meffert Members Give Lawrence E. Mercker Sarah Miller Monisha Mittal Quinci Moody Peter & Sydney Moor Eduardo Moscoso Sanchez Erika Moscoso Maria L. Moscoso Isabelle Moses Rick Moyers Joyce A. Muis-Lowery Tapas Mukherjee Keeley Murray Anjali Nagpaul Adrien Ndikumwami Samuel H. & Ruth H. Neff David Neuman
Don M. & Georgia A. Chirielei- Angela & Santiago Franco Lena & Mathew Frumin son Louis & Sylvia Cintron Keith Clark Susan K. Clark Steve Coleman Peter Cook William Cordes Corina Higginson Trust Diane Cornell Katherine Cox Amanda Crandall Orlando Fuentes Perla Share Fund Consolata K. Gasasira Stanislas F. Gasasira Tracy George Tracy George Richard Gollub Judith & Robert Goodwin Michele Gralak Grassroots.org
Catherine & Leslie Nickerson Frank Nickerson James L. & Marla E. Nix Phyllis Norville Nonna Noto Dave O'Donnell Jules O'Rear Emily & Amir Oveissi Peter Balazy Dipal Panara Natalia Pane Jeffery Payne Cynthia Peoples-Hobson Isel Perez Castellanos Patricia Perez Dennis Perkins Carla Perlo Monique Phillips Desiree Pipkins The Dance Place Annette Polan Lewis Powell Cynthia Pratt Andrew Quilpa Datla Raju Nancey Ramsden
Nora Rasman Lolita Ratchford Courtney Reeve Danielle M. Reyes Leah Riesner William V. Robertson Maya Robinson David Roodman Mark Root-Wiley Norman Rosenburg Jessica A. Rucker Kim Sadler Teresa L Sagrera Ethel May Saint Fort Demetria Savoy Jewel Scott Maegan Scott Karl Seff Jean & Louis Seiden Steven Seiden Katharine K. Seitz Dahlia Shaewitz Jeffrey P. Silverstone Campbell Smith Janet & Lewis Soloman
Lori Sousa Matilda Spio-Garbrah Calvin Spivey Barbara Stauffer Patricia Staugler Shannon Steene Laura Stevens Katherine Stritzinger Strive DC Marjorie Dick Stuart Carey Tarbell Wayne Tate Martine Tchouamouo Mintwab Teshome Aakash Thakkar Danielle Tiley & Daniel Tana Thomas C. Tipton Leslie & Danny Torbett Kathryn Trizna Lauren Trizna Carine Umuzayire Angela Vance Lydia Vanderbilt Francisco Vasquez Susana Vasquez
Verizon Washington, DC Delaina R. Vines Jude & Consolata Voisin Latrice Waitcher Renise Walker Yolanda Ward Julius Ware II Xzaquoinett Warrick Amrita Wassan Victoria Wassmer Curtis Watkins Adam Weers Dorothy Weiss David West Agnes Williams Channet Williams Thelford Williams Andrew Willis Garces Jeanne Willis Bob Wittig Solomon Woldetsadick Caroline Wolf Harlow Margaret Yao
VOLUNTEERS
George Adams Marib Akanda Derek Anderson Diana Arango Cleopatra Armstrong Mamadou Balde Parker Banm Kadesia Barrow Adnan Bokhari Katrin Boneau Tom Britten Tom Brown Celia Burke Mario Burney Aminta Cabrera Christopher Caesar Eddie Capers Stephen Casseells-Jarriby John Cavanagh Karim Chaibi Nivedita Chaugian Bill Chedester Yilma Chergen Ry'Shanik Chisholm Ralph J. Chittams Sr. Taylor Chouinard Keith Clark Charles Colbert Selina Cooke Leslie Cooper Shayla Cornick Kate Delmonico Marcelo Delpiano Renee Dennis Parul DeSai Saskia DeVries Anna Doorenbos Ben Drucker Kai Dubose John Eggleston Linda Esah Lisa Fauntroy Yarin Feigenbaum Ryan Ferrera David Foster Edson Fox Kasia Galica Lisvette Garcia Amanda Gordon Bob Grannan Cherise Graves Kenneth Gross Lauren Harding Bonnie Harris Eric Harrison Matthew Hayes Erica Heller Heather Henderson Sam Hochgraf Eric Hodges Christopher Holby Lorena Holguin Jay Hornbuckle John Howard Bryan Huang Ron Hulen Carolyn Hyde Alaide Ibarra Brett Isaacoff Angel Jaen Madi Johnson Melanie Jones Ajya Jordan Kiersten Kelley Jessica Ko Tom Kontinos Carolyn Kraemer Kazi Lawerence Diane Leach Southwell Lecointe
FINANCIALS
Nicole Lee Albert Lewis Lin Li Steve Lilienthal Mary Lincoln Kavanaugh Livingston Matt Lloyd Gregory Y. Loesch Eric Lund Andrea Mack Keilan Malone Taylor Maltz Kyra Maxwell Jarrel McAfee Chester McKinley David Melia Larry Mercker Jeff Merrell Linda Mingo Terri Molyneaux Cristina Moscoso Antonio Mosley Madhau Munnaluri Colin Musselman Michael Myers Eugene Nelson Faith Nwaoha Margie Odle Nicholas Osmanski Camilla Parker Ancy Paul Jessica Pegues Hanna Pillion RaMeka Price Andrew Quilpa Aman Rahman Lolita Ratchford Becky Reed Adrian Reeves Lauren Rhoades Neil Rickard Sam Ries Kidist Riste Adam Roach Clarence Robinson Jen Roy Evan Rutherford Scott Ryan Sean Saandev Ethel May Saint Fort Madiagne Sarv Jewel Scott Rajan Sedalia Kennedy Segler Ben Siegel Adam Silverberg Piti Sinkantarakorn Anna Sito Kara Smith Jenny Soderbergh Charity Sperringer Rebecca Stewart Theresa Sule Erica Swanson Michael Thomas Thomas Thornton Millie Tran Lydia Vanderbilt JD Walter Josh Weinberg Meg White Lavon Williams Genio Wilson Dezmond Wright Ahmad Yasser Simon Yeo Lenge Zacharia Darlene Zephyrine
20% 24 % In-kind Foundations and Corporations 10% Special Events 14 % Gen & Admin 38% Government 6% Individuals 2% Program-Related Sales & Fees .01 % Other 8% Fundraising 78 % Programs
REVENUE SOURCES
EXPENDITURES
FINANCIALS
FINANCIALS
Byte Back, Inc. 815 Monroe Street N.E. Washington, DC 20017 (202) 529-3395 Fax (202) 529-4684 info@byteback.org www.byteback.org CFC 73542/United Way 8073 FEIN 52-2061398