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You
are here: Technology Access Foundation (TAF)
Why do we say that education is a priority, yet teachers get paid so little, schools don't get funded for even basic needs, class sizes are too large to effectively teach and we don't spend the same amount on every child regardless of where they live?
Recently, an African-American teen shared with a TAF staff member that "This summer, I'm making more money than my mom!" A young woman who thought she might pursue a vocational course to become an auto mechanic is now in her sophomore year at college studying engineering with dreams of designing cars. A 10 year-old child has learned to use a computer for schoolwork and is improving his math and English skills – his grin is contagious and his eyes shine brightly as he shares his new skills with his mother. In neighborhoods throughout Seattle, youth of color and low-income youth are gaining computer fluency using current technology. Perhaps more importantly, these young people are realizing dreams and finding opportunities for advancement that enriches their lives, their families, and their communities. The common denominator in these scenarios is that these kids, and many others like them, all participate in TAF programs.
TAF is the brainchild of Trish Millines Dziko, retired Microsoft manager and administrator, and Jill Hull Dziko, former mental health counselor. While walking their dogs near Seattle's Lake Washington, their conversations often lamented the lack of quality education, especially technology education, available to disadvantaged, inner-city youth in Seattle as well as the lack of minority role models in high technology. Their respective business, technical and social service talents were a natural combination to launch the Technology Access Foundation. In 1996, TAF opened its doors. Millines Dziko serves as the Foundation's Executive Director and has recruited a staff of 13 passionate, committed individuals and many dedicated volunteers to bring TAF's programs to fruition. Says Millines Dziko, "I screen applicants on the basis of their qualifications but hire on the basis of their heart. Our staff cares deeply about what we're doing."
TAF's mission is to bring technology education and technology access to disadvantaged communities and, thus, change the economic futures of these communities. To do this, TAF developed the Technology Education Pipeline Model (TEP). The TEP is a comprehensive program model that includes three primary programs: TechStart (an after-school/preschool program in a technologically enriched environment for children ages 5 -12); the Virtual Institute (a program of innovative computer fluency courses taught at several community-based agencies); and, the Technical Teens Internship Program (a technical education and internship program for youth ages 13-18). All TAF programs are offered free of charge and incorporate outreach strategies and awareness education as part of the process of reaching community members. According to Millines Dziko, "we're building a serious pipeline here that not only addresses the digital divide, it is also providing skilled talent to meet the challenges of our technical talent drought."
TAF's dream is to "level the technology playing field" for traditionally underrepresented populations through the programs and services of the Technology Education Pipeline, beginning in the classroom and ending in corporate America. TAF currently has programs in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington and will soon be expanding to other metropolitan areas across Washington State. Our dream is to bring TAF programs and services to all underserved communities by achieving a national presence. TAF targets communities whose demographics reveal that most of the residents are people of color with low median annual incomes. Typically, employment opportunities are low-paying, service sector jobs with little opportunity for income growth or upward mobility. These communities have no models for what their possibilities could be with access to technology. Growing up poor herself, Millines Dziko is passionate about reaching these communities. TAF programs promote volunteerism, community service, community involvement and collaboration. "We couldn't do what we do without our community partners, business participants, and philanthropic supporters."
A broad-based funding plan including grants, individual donations and entrepreneurial efforts as well as detailed strategic planning are the basis of TAF's organizational model. Assessment measures and evaluation are incorporated into all TAF programming to ensure program accountability and effective reporting to our constituencies. A hardworking Board of Trustees provides additional expertise and guidance. As Millines Dziko says, "It takes a lot of elements to make it work but when it comes together, it's a beautiful thing to behold."
More about:
For more information about TAF and its programs visit TAF online at www.techaccess.org.
Trish Millenes Dziko can be reached at TrishMi@techaccess.org.
Copyright April 2001 New Horizons for Learning, all rights reserved.
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