Our Mission: Closing the Digital Divide

The issue of "the digital divide" - the gap that exists between those who have access to computers and computer training, and those who do not - continues to be a socio-economic problem in Washington, DC, a city that ranks eighth in the United States in computer technology jobs. Many people are unable to escape from a vicious cycle of unemployment, a lack of low-cost educational resources, and skills needed to obtain employment. This socio-economic gap can be closed by providing low-cost computer training and education to unemployed and underserved persons suffering from a lack of resources and training.

According to a 2000 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, eight of the ten fastest growing occupations in the United States are computer-related. In the 21st century, people need access to computers, and the skills to use them, in order to survive and flourish in the workforce.

Byte Back's Internship Technology Academy provides high-tech computer training to low-income people in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Approximately 87% of our students are African-American, and 55% of our adult students are women. Our programs create opportunities for disadvantaged people to get the training they need to build a career.