about us
What is TechReach?
TechReach of Central Virginia is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization formed in 2007 that receives donated computers from individuals and businesses, then refurbishes and licenses them for distribution to deserving students and adults who are unable to purchase a home PC due to economic reasons. This is about getting technology in the hands of those who otherwise wouldn't have access.
TechReach offers kids an exciting opportunity to gain the necessary high tech skills needed to join the workforce as computer literate adults and navigate in our complex electronic world. We also provide underprivileged adults the tools to be a productive member of today’s technology oriented society. Hundreds of students and adults have been assisted to date, with the possibilities for further distributions growing rapidly.
Our goal
We believe that by facilitating equal access to technology and providing equal opportunity for technical literacy TechReach will help prepare students to be successful in life by developing their knowledge of technology and improving their computer skills. We also provide underprivileged adults the tools to be a productive member of today’s technology oriented society. This in turn will translate into a highly skilled, technology savvy work force for the region. The resulting rising tide will float all boats.
Technology Literacy and the Digital Divide
Literacy used to be defined as reading and writing; but recently, being literate requires a working knowledge of computers and software applications. The term digital divide refers to the gap between those people with effective access to information technology and those without. It includes both the imbalances in physical access to technology and the imbalances in resources and skills needed to effectively participate as a productive citizen (technology literacy). In others words, it’s the unequal access by some members of society to information technology and the unequal acquisition of related skills.
Groups most often negatively affected by the digital divide include socioeconomic (rich/poor), racial, and geographical (urban/rural). Meanwhile, corporations face the constant challenge of staying up to date with technology so they can maintain a competitive edge. Consequently, older machines often are left to the trash heap; this waste is harmful for the environment and is costly to dispose of. TechReach strives to help close the literacy gap by reaching out to our community’s disadvantaged and bridging the digital divide.