DiverseIT, Adelante’s computer, repair, and training program, is designed to empower people traditionally left out of the technology ecosystem. The program expanded last week, October 16, 2019, with the official opening of the new DiverseIT Computer Training & Repair Center at 5400 San Mateo Blvd NE, in Albuquerque. Approximately 100 community leaders, partners, and dignitaries attended the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting.
This new center gives DiverseIT both a more public presence and more resources to expand its work. DiverseIT will provide a variety of trainings at the new location — from the basics, like how to use email safely, to IT career training such as Salesforce Administrator certification. DiverseIT is working to address the need for greater diversity in the IT field, so the career pipeline training is targeted for people with disabilities, people of color, and women. Adelante and the DiverseIT team believe that greater diversity in the tech field will lead to better computer applications and systems that work for more of the population. The stats surrounding diversity in the IT field are poor.
- There are half as many African Americans and Hispanics in tech as in the rest of the private sector.
- 83% of tech executives are white.
- Less than 30% of people with disabilities are participating in the workforce in the United States. The statistic drops to just 19% for people with developmental disabilities.
DiverseIT will also be offering low-cost repair services to the public. DiverseIT is a nonprofit program not in the business of selling computers, so customers can expect a fair price without upselling or sales pressure. If there are additional costs, DiverseIT lets customers know in advance so they can decide what they want to repair with full knowledge of the costs.
Two interns from Albuquerque’s Tech Leadership High School are already working with DiverseIT to continue developing technological skills. DiverseIT is looking for other potential IT trainees who want to learn to repair computers, learn about building websites, or who want to earn IT certifications.
The new Computer Repair & Training Center will also include a wall of New Mexico technology heroes that fall in these populations as a way to inspire trainees.
Several community leaders came to the grand opening and spoke about how the new DiverseIT location will positively affect tech literacy in our community. Anna Sanchez, the Director of Albuquerque’s Department of Senior Affairs, said, “This new center is well-aligned with the Department of Senior Affairs mission as inclusive of all people, especially our seniors who have long been forgotten when it comes to technology. Through initiatives such as these, there is an opportunity for them to be taught to use technology safely, and increase access and knowledge.”
Adelante greatly appreciates our major funders, Comcast and Wells Fargo, who made this new location possible, as well as the New Mexico Technology Assistance Program and Intel for the ongoing support of DiverseIT. Together, we are bridging the digital divide in New Mexico.
If you would like to learn more about the trainings or repair services offered through DiverseIT, please call 505-881-TECH (8324) or email DiverseIT@GoAdelante.org. If you are a person with a disability who needs a computer, please use the request form on the program website, www.DiverseIT.org .
If you would like to learn more about the trainings or repair services offered through DiverseIT, please call 505-881-TECH (8324) or email DiverseIT@GoAdelante.org. If you are a person with a disability who needs a computer, please use the request form on the program website, www.DiverseIT.org .
