San Pablo, CA USA
Street Tech was a godsend! I had gone to school to learn computer repair and networking but I couldn't find a job willing to let me flex my newly acquired skills. I would often look at job postings on the internet. Many of them were seeking potential candidates with A+ Certification. Researching the cost of getting the certification cast a doubtful outlook on my future. The price of testing is VERY expensive. I cast my plans to the side and let life take over. Life took over, indeed. Unemployed and disgruntled, I soon began walking the streets going door-to-door trying to advertise and repair for residential customers. Still trying to figure out how to get some credentials under my belt. As fate would have it, I ended up advertising to someone who referred me to an old classmate of Director Joe McKinley. This classmate told me that Joe might help me get into the market. No truer words had been spoken. Soon, I was signing up for Street Tech's A+ Certification class. Street Tech has a very clean facility. Professional staff, an obviously VERY affordable program for people who need a second chance and a formidable success rate. It's no wonder they've made it this far. I can come in and use resources at reasonable times and get a pep talk from the staff almost anytime. As far as weaknesses, Street Tech is hindered by a lack of updated resources, no access to the latest OSes like Vista, Red Hat Linux, Server 2003, etc. Many machines are kindly donated but they are not the latest as the market changes rapidly. Licensed software is also difficult and expensive to acquire. Our last class had to dig in and split the cost of valuable testing software that was needed. The cost of human resources has also taken a small toll on poor Street Tech. Although very efficient, very punctual, very professional and very knowledgeable, the staff at Street Tech cannot live on bread alone. It has been evidenced by several of my colleagues who stayed to take classes beyond our A+ certification that the quality of the teaching staff had been significantly reduced due to budget constraints. Many of my colleagues, like myself, are from all parts of the community. We are disadvantaged, low income, pregnant, on parole, and hungry. We are always looking for hope. We are looking for that brief glimpse of sunlight on the horizon. Street Tech is that light. Please endorse Street Tech and help bring more light over that horizon.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... My self and my colleagues. We call and email each other frequently to keep each other updated and in the job market. Many of my colleagues have found jobs immediately after class and are making much more money than they were previous to the class
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... I was given a ton of information. I liked my classmates. The staff was very knowledgeable.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... Professional, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. These are the kind of people you can invite to your house for a Christmas party and know it'll be enjoyable!
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... Whoo! It would be an outstanding success. I believe the only challenge at that point would be ensuring that the organization maintained focus and direction.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... Street tech needs more updated equipment. More updated software. Need to maintain quality staff
- If I ran this organization, I would... Ensure that my students had the best teachers. I would continue to make sure my staff provides support to the students and I would hustle to make sure my students have the best resources available
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... Money, teachers and equipment. Pretty much the same challenges that California public schools are facing.
- One thing I'd also say is that... I have experienced visiting many nonprofit organizations in the Bay Area. Some are not nearly as deserving or show the same potential for pumping out excellence as Street Tech. You will see a theme in the answers I posted above. I realize that i am only 1 voice, but there is no doubt that there will be MANY more voices as Street Tech continues to evolve. Please help keep Street Tech alive!