The Technology Access Foundation (TAF) prepares underserved students of color for success in a technology-driven world by providing technology and life skills training.

Description:
Technology Access Foundation (TAF) Programs: The Technical Teens Internship Program (TTIP) is a multi-year, after-school, technology-training and job preparedness program for students age 13-18. All lessons are developed by TAF and are designed to give students an opportunity to learn the latest technology, build their communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills, and develop the skills necessary for employment. Teens attend classes six hours a week for eight months, and work summers in paid internships. The intensive program offers four tracks: web development; network engineering; media production and programming. Each year builds on the skills learned during the previous year. For every year a TTIP student successfully completes the training and internship, they are awarded a $1,000 scholarship for higher education. Each teen is required to perform 20 hours of community service before they are eligible for employment. TechStart is a program for 5-12 year-olds. In this program, we assess each child’s abilities in reading and math, and then use personalized technology-based activities and lessons to improve math, reading, critical-thinking, communication and problem solving skills. All lessons are developed by TAF and are mapped to the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALR). Children attend classes two to three times a week. By using the computer to deliver the curriculum, children gain both academic and technical skills. The Higher Education Bound (HEB) ensures TTIP students have the educational background and the financial resources they need to earn a college degree. The program provides students with assistance in scholarship search, entry exam preparation, high school class choices, college visits, college selection, and application. All HEB activities are developed by TAF. Teens and their parents attend HEB activities during the school year. Activities include workshops, college tours, and standardized test practice.

History:
One afternoon Trish Millines Dziko (a Microsoft employee at the time) and Jill Hull Dziko (a Seattle Mental Health employee at the time) were walking their dogs near Lake Washington. While chatting, the subject turned to education and they discovered that they both wanted to start a school for under-served kids of color. Jill focused on the lack of quality education for children of color and Trish, of course, focused on technology. After many meetings with friends, family, community members and professional peers, they decided a foundation that collaborates with existing organizations to focus on education and technology would be a better leverage of resources. Their respective business, technical and social service talents were a natural combination to launch the Technology Access Foundation (TAF). They quit their old jobs and TAF opened its doors October 1, 1996. To learn more about TAF's history, check out our on-line Newsletter Archive.

Contact people:

Richard Brown, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Sherry Williams, TTIP Program Manager, (phone), (email) Erica Sabitino, HEB Program Manager, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (206) 725-9097

Address:

3803 Rainer ave so. (Rainer & Edmunds) Seattle, WA 98118 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.techaccess.org

Directions:

TAF's main office is located in Columbia City in the Rainer Valley on Rainer Avenue South and South Edmunds Street. From North or Southbound I-5 take the Spokane Street exit east, continue to the top of hill southbound until. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: same, 1 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	Yes
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes