Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is one of 7 non-profit organizations to receive a Teaming for Technology Colorado grant for new computers. The newly opened Robert M. Shopneck Branch in Brighton, CO will get 8 IBM computers with flat-screen monitors. The value of the grant is $10,232. Over 50 agencies applied for the grants.

The distribution of computer hardware on behalf of IBM was one of the main reasons for creation of Teaming for Technology programs across the country. IBM had been giving computers to nonprofits for years, but found that, in many cases, these computers were being underutilized due to a lack of training and support. This grant was reformatted into the T4T TechLaunch Program to not only give computers to nonprofits, but also to ensure that the proper training and support are given to the agency to best employ the donated technology.

“Technology is one of our core programs for Club members,” says Cara Hart, Information Systems Manager for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. “It’s not only important for all our Club members to learn computing, but to learn on the latest technology available.”

The T4T TechLaunch Program gives selected agencies computing hardware to fill gaps in their technology needs, but more importantly, gives them the tools to build their organization’s technological capacity. The program is not meant to completely meet the technology needs an agency may have, but rather serves as a “jumpstart” for the agency to apply the skills acquired in the program to better utilize the technology equipment they already possess. The program also imparts agencies with the skills necessary to obtain technology grants from other funders.

All 7 Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver have technology centers. The Robert M. Shopneck Branch in Brighton, CO is the newest Club. It opened August 27 of this year.

“The Shopneck Branch already has over 900 members, and we average 250 kids a day,” says Hart. “These new IBM computers will be added to our current computer inventory and will quickly be put to use by our Club members. This grant is an ideal example of how agencies like Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver can team with companies like IBM to make a difference in a kid’s life.”     

To learn more about the program, visit http://www.t4tcolorado.org/