Elizabeth Lindsey - Developing New Localized Capacity: Bridging the Digital Divide - GCS16

1. www.byteback.org
Developing New Localized Capacity
for Bridging the Digital Divide
Elizabeth Lindsey
Executive Director
Lessons from the Field:
Digital Education in Washington, DC
from 1997 to Today

2. www.byteback.org
Byte Back improves economic opportunity by
providing computer training and career preparation
for low-income residents of the Washington, DC
metro area.

3. www.byteback.org
In the Beginning …
• Founded in 1997
• Need for advanced digital skills
to acquire living-wage jobs
• 2008-2015 Byte Back grew 10x

4. www.byteback.org
The Changing Needs Since 1997
• Digital Divide has grown as society has
become technology-driven
• Digital Inclusion at all levels, from literacy to
pathways to advanced training
• Increased need for basic skills for ALL
• Increased need for industry-recognized
certifications
Pew Research

5. www.byteback.org
In FY15 …
Who We Serve Today

6. www.byteback.org
Meeting Students Where They Are

7. www.byteback.org
Education that Bridges Divides

8. www.byteback.org
Capacity for Personalized Attention
Students’ needs as:
• Computer literacy learners
• Older adults returning to education
• People with many other struggles (stable housing,
disabilities, poverty, unemployment, parenting…)
Meeting the Need: Tutoring, Job Labs, 1-on-1 career sessions,
with help from AmeriCorps, volunteer instructors, partners …

9. www.byteback.org
Building Capacity through Partnerships
Government
• DC Public Library
• FSET
• Office of the Chief
Technology Officer

10. www.byteback.org
Outcomes: Transforming Lives
Leo started in PC for Beginners
and is now about to earn his
CompTIA A+ Certification.
Ellen went from student to tutor,
building our capacity for 1-on-1
attention and helping us get ADA
accommodations for students.

11. www.byteback.org
Sharing and Q & A
Elizabeth Lindsey
Executive Director
@elindse1
@bytebackdc
Lessons from 18-Year-Old
Digital Education Nonprofit