AOL Technology Corps
AOL Volunteers Use Their
Skills to Build Computer
Labs
The Challenge
While there are many computer labs housed in nonprofits across our region, many of these labs are not functioning nearly as well as they could because of limited budgets. In fact, it is not uncommon for as many as 50% of computers in these labs to be out of commission. Many labs have no ongoing hardware maintenance, outdated software, and are not fully networked. And, some were not even set up correctly in the first place. Machines are clogged by spyware, slowed down by multiple viruses, and do not operate properly. A good example is the lab at Community of Hope, a nonprofit that provides services to homeless and low income individuals and families. In their lab, the computers could not connect to the internet and all of the printers were broken. As a result of the poor shape the lab was in, many of the computer classes offered to the adult and child residents were cancelled. Without help to maintain the labs, substantial investments made by the community--nonprofits, government agencies, foundations, and corporations--are underutilized.
The Solution
NPower and Greater DC Cares partnered with AOL to form the AOL Technology Corps. The Technology Corps uses the talents of tech savvy AOL staff who are interested in making a difference in the community by using their skills. The volunteer corps targets low-budget organizations that need help getting their computer labs in working order. NPower recruits and screens the nonprofit labs while Greater DC Cares works with AOL to recruit AOL employee volunteers. Before the AOL volunteers went to the Community of Hope (COH) lab, an NPower technology consultant inspected the site and developed a work plan for them. NPower also obtained a donation from Microsoft for needed software and procured supplies like additional cables and surge protectors. The AOL volunteers arrived at COH on a Saturday afternoon, ready to put their skills to use, and were greeted by staff and residents. COH staff shared stories with the volunteers about how much the lab is needed so that the residents can learn new skills, search for employment, and children can access the internet to help them with homework. COH treated everyone to quick lunch and at the end of the day, the lab was running at full-speed and the residents could now get back to using the computers.
The Impact
