What is Tech Goes Home?

Tech Goes Home, Inc. (TGH) is a 501(c)(3) organization that empowers communities to overcome barriers and advance lives. To that end, TGH helps bring computers, Internet, and training to those without so students can do homework, adults can find jobs and manage finances, and seniors can connect with loved ones. We promote lifelong success by teaching the skills, and providing hardware and help with access so that our participants will continue to benefit from the wealth of online resources well after our program ends.

 

Who does Tech Goes Home serve?

TGH has graduated 25,000+ people and distributed 15,000+ new computers. We have run 1,500+ courses in 250+ schools and community sites. TGH serves the region’s most vulnerable populations of all ages, from 3 to 93. Over 80% of TGH households have incomes less than $35,000 per year. Approximately 90% of learners are people of color, and 47% are foreign born. In addition, about 45% of courses support students with special needs. 

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Why should I volunteer?

The organization needs you! TGH is a lean non-profit with only 5 staff. Translation: as much money as possible is spent on the program, and the TGH staff relies heavily on volunteer resources to achieve its mission.

 

The issue is urgent! Being connected to the Internet has become an essential extension to our families, our schools, and our places of employment. There is convincing evidence that up to 25% of a child’s grade is related to parental involvement, yet many participating parents report that they had never even been to their child’s school prior to TGH. In addition, up to 80% of all jobs are now posted exclusively online, leaving many unemployed members of the community without access. TGH has worked with over 25,000 Bostonians to bring families closer together and to help them use online resources to improve their lives, but there is still tremendous need for digital equity.

 

By joining TGH, you:

• Make a lasting impact on underserved Bostonians by helping them live, learn, earn, work, and play through TGH

• Join a network of dedicated people working to lower the digital divide

• Improve your own knowledge of online resources -- 100% of our trainers report that they learned something new

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What would I be doing as a volunteer?

In a nutshell, volunteers help TGH participants understand how online resources and technology can improve their lives. Volunteers can help out in class with technology and resource guidance, and they can help in class or remotely by translating for participants who don't speak English.

 

CLICK HERE for full descriptions of the volunteer positions

 

What is the time commitment?

Most of the TGH volunteer positions are flexible enough to let volunteers “choose their adventure” in terms of time commitment. However, most volunteers will serve 1-2 hours per week.

 

Occasionally there are one-time opportunities that only require a single-day commitment. To find out more information about these opportunities email volunteer@techgoeshome.org

 

Where would I be volunteering?

There are ~200 program sites in the Greater Boston area, and volunteers will be matched to a site that is accessible and where there is need.

 

Who volunteers?

TGH Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, and from all over the Greater Boston area. Previous volunteers have worked everywhere from Google to Boston Public Schools. We have volunteers who are high school students, professional adults, seniors, and everything in between!

 

What is Orientation/Training?

Each volunteer will attend an orientation prior to working with TGH. Orientations are run by our fantastic partners at Boston Cares.

 

Can I do multiple volunteer programs?

Of course! We encourage our volunteers to engage with TGH in as many ways as possible.

 

What is the application process like?

1. Register or sign in with Boston Cares.

2. Express interest in volunteering with TGH.

3. Attend an orientation & training event.

 

That’s it, easy as 1-2-3!