About Our Programs

Technology For All is a Texas-based  501(c)(3) empowering communities through the tools of technology.

How We Help

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Technology For All is committed to reversing the “digital divide” with:

Public Computer Center Development and Support
Technology Research and Innovation
Technology Services

 

Public Computer Center Support and Development

Free Training in all Centers 

   
 In Texas, less than half of rural residents report having home broadband Internet access (Connected Texas).

Students learn terminology, Internet safety, using the mouse and more. Classes include Computer Basics, Operating System Basics, and Introduction-level courses on the Internet and Email.   

 
 77% of college presidents say their institutions offer online courses (Pew Research Center).

Students learn general college planning, college readiness and survival skills, distance learning skills and more. TFA’s Program Specialists also offer personal assistance, such as help in formatting college essays.  

 Over 80% of Fortune 500 companies, including Wal-Mart and Target, require online job applications (Federal Communications Commission).

Students learn how to create resumes and cover letters, research company websites and employment resources, workplace fundamentals and more. TFA Program Specialists are available for personal assistance, such as help using resume creation tools.  

 77% of teachers use technology to increase student motivation (PBS).

Students can receive direct support to prepare for General Educational Development exams and English as a Second Language studies. Students work with Program Specialists and individually with course materials, online practice and test reviews. Students are also able to build better computer skills.

 43% of Americans believe that lack of broadband is a “major disadvantage” when it comes to finding job opportunities or gaining new career skills (Pew Research Center).

Students learn office-based skills like time management, business communications, project management tools and more. Classes include Microsoft Office Suite from basics to advanced, Google Docs and business accounting.  

 40% of U.S. doctors say mobile health technologies can reduce the amount of office visits (Mashable).

Students learn how to navigate and use mobile devices, video editing, social media and more. Classes include eGovernment, eHealth, Web Design and Digital Photography.

 96% of working Americans use new communications technologies daily (U.S. Department of Commerce).

Students can train for certification in computer software, hazardous material transport, online driver’s education and more. Classes include Adobe, OSHA and Microsoft Office certifications.  

 

Texas Connects Coalition logo, which is has a red and blue mouse with a white Lone StarTechnology For All, through the Texas Connects Coalition program, creates and supports ongoing open lab access training for over 17,000 persons per week at 90 Public Computer Centers, including community centers, libraries and workforce centers. These Public Computer Centers are located in: Bastrop, Bexar, Blanco, Brazos, Burleson, Caldwell, Comal, Duval, Fayette, Grimes, Harris, Leon, Madison, Robertson, Travis, Washington and Williamson County.

Besides open lab sessions, TFA offers free, hands-on training to all participants. While training is tailored to each of our 91 TXC2 communities, every center offers the same foundation.

For TXC2 locations, contact information and schedules, please visit our Public Computer Center map or our Computer Center page. For more information, please visit www.txc2.org.

Technology Research and Innovation

Technology For All collaborates on research studies with Houston Community College, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, the Abramson Center for the Future of Health, and the University of Houston College of Technology.

Rice University

Since 2004, Rice University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has grown into the TFA-Wireless network, created to provide free, secure wireless Internet to 19,000 residents in Pecan Park, a historic but low-income neighborhood in east Houston. The work has been featured in over 90 academic and research journals throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.tfa.rice.edu.

Smithville Independent School District

In 2012, ESRI provided TFA through the Texas Connects Coalition Project with Geographic Information System technology. The GIS software was provided for distribution to rural schools and 4-H entities throughout the service area, in conjunction with our BTOP grant.  TFA is currently working on a pilot project with the Smithville Independent School District (SISD) as students map the damage of the Bastrop County Complex Wildfires and its effects on the community’s agriculture, ranching and population.

University of Texas

Beginning in the Fall 2012 semester, Technology For All through the Texas Connects Coalition project will be studied by a class on public policy from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas.

Technology Services

Technology For All works with nonprofits and community organizations to empower low-income and under-resourced communities through social enterprises. These include technology services such as web hosting, email and IP telephone services.

TFA-STARRS

TFA provides technology recycling via our Secure Technology Asset Recycling and Redeployment Services (TFA-STARRS) program. This program recycles equipment from corporations and puts them in the hands of community partners and TFA participants. Donate your desktops, laptops and more here!

TFA-STARRS also works with CompuCycle, Inc., Houston’s first Responsible Recycling Certified, Environment Protection Agency recognized, electronic recycling solutions provider, to build a new solution to the disposal of usable computer and computer-related equipment.