Tech Impact, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities through technology, has announced the opening of its new workforce training hub in Wilmington, Delaware. The facility is located in the historic B&O Station building and was purchased with the help of a $1.25 million grant from Barclays US Consumer Bank. This new 'Tech Impact Opportunity Center supported by Barclays' will serve as a permanent site for Tech Impact's ITWorks program and administrative offices.
Patrick Callihan, Executive Director of Tech Impact, stated, "We are thrilled to announce a new permanent home for ITWorks, a program that has helped more than 700 people to kickstart their careers in IT here in Wilmington and beyond for over a decade." He emphasized the convenience of the location due to its proximity to public transportation and amenities.
The B&O Station building was originally designed by architect Frank Furness in 1887. It underwent refurbishment by ING Direct (now Capital One) in 2004. With funds from the Barclays grant, Tech Impact made interior updates including new carpets, paint, signage, and student desks crafted by local trainees.
Tech Impact has been operating in Wilmington since 2012 at various temporary sites. Mona Jantzi from Barclays expressed support for the initiative: "We are proud to support ITWorks with the new 'Tech Impact Opportunity Center' in Wilmington."
Barclays aims to enable skill development for employment through its community programs which aim to place 250,000 people into work globally by 2022. Callihan added that Tech Impact works alongside Barclays to diversify tech talent pipelines in Delaware.
Tech Impact offers technology education and solutions for nonprofits and operates several training programs across the U.S., including facilities in Nevada and Philadelphia. The organization also provides managed IT support and other technology services.