Standards of Excellence Program

TFA affiliated Community Technology Centers (CTCs) provide access to computers and related technologies to people who typically do not have this access. CTCs provide opportunities to their clients to learn how to use technology tools. Their clients develop personal skills, explore new avenues of creativity and build self-esteem through their programs.

The purpose of these Standards of Excellence for Computer Technology Centers is to provide a clear set of standards by which all CTCs can assess themselves. The goal is to provide a systematic process for insuring that CTCs have basic operational and programmatic standards in place. This program is designed to encourage improvement of operations and long-term sustainability.

This document is intentionally flexible in order to be relevant to the many different organizational models of CTCs. Some CTCs are independent operations that have a large staff, a board of directors and many volunteers. Many CTCs are a significant part of an organization’s broader program. Other CTCs have only one person on staff and are a small part of a much larger multi-level and multi-service organization.

This Standards of Excellence program has three elements: Minimum Standards, Preferred Practices, and Best Practices. Each builds on the other. The statement of the Best Practices is a preliminary one. As we work with together with CTCNet we will be able to identify better the indicators of what it means to be a successful CTC.

The attached Standards of Excellence form(Link to PDF Standards of Excellence Form here)  is adapted by Technology For All from a similar document used by permission and created by the Lowell Telecommunications Corp., Boston, through a “Field Innovation Grant” funded by the America Connects Consortium (www.americaconnects.net ) a U.S. Department of Education initiative to support DOE funded community technology centers. 

FORMS. CTC Standards Evaluation Form version 3.3.pdf

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