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NEWS & UPDATES
February 2023

Dear Friends,

As Tech Exchange celebrates Black History Month, we elevate one of our core pillars: our commitment to building social equity and justice by closing the digital divide.

We stand with our brothers and sisters who fight for racial justice. We support educators who ensure that schools teach Black history and critical race theory, so that students will learn about the complex social fabric of this nation. We applaud social and economic justice reforms that protect and empower communities that have been historically disenfranchised, in order to break generational cycles of poverty and violence.

We also celebrate tech pioneers like Dr. Valerie Thomas, NASA engineer and inventor of the illusion transmitter—also known as 3D imaging—and a trailblazer for other Black scientists and tech visionaries. Tech Exchange contributes to the effort to provide more equitable pathways to education and career opportunities, by providing the digital tools needed along the way.

After 90 days as Executive Director for Tech Exchange I have learned a great deal about our organization, the individuals and families we serve, and our wonderful supporters and partners throughout the Bay Area. It has been a distinct pleasure meeting so many folks connected with our organization, and discovering how you are contributing to our equity mission.

It is truly an exciting time for Tech Exchange--our staff and Advisory Board members are all looking forward to what the coming year will bring. Our organization's impact has grown considerably, especially in the past few years. At the same time, our community's needs have grown, and we know that there is still a great deal of work to be done towards fulfilling digital equity. 

Tech Exchange is increasing our efforts to ensure all families have access to affordable internet service, as we promote the Affordable Connectivity Program with statewide agencies and other partners. Our commitment to improving digital equity throughout the Bay Area continues, made possible by our donors, grant funders, and partners like the California Emerging Technology Fund, the California Public Utilities Commission, #Oakland Undivided, Richmond Promise, San Francisco Public Library, and the San Jose Digital Inclusion Project.

Last but not least, we are excited to continue to connecting with YOU! In the months ahead, look for more community outreach events, volunteer opportunities at our Oakland TecHub, tours of our Oakland warehouse, and other activities throughout the Bay Area. We hope you will visit us soon, and we thank you all for your ongoing support of Tech Exchange.

Tech Talk with AppDirect
On January 20, Tech Exchange hosted our first-ever Tech Talk with our partner, AppDirect.

AppDirect offers a subscription commerce platform that makes it simple to sell any service, through any channel, on any device. A panel of employees at AppDirect shared their personal journeys to a career in technology.

We connected over a dozen interns and community members to an experienced team of professionals; it was an inspiring and insightful event!

You can check out a recording here.

Thank you, AppDirect!
Volunteer with Us!
Staff Spotlight:
Nick Wong

Nick joined us in 2018 as a member of the Warehouse staff. He has grown to become an instrumental part of our online sales, handling technical operations for the team. Nick was responsible for all-time online sales records in December.

"I've sold thousands of items since I've worked here. What I've learned is that people value many things. It's my job to push variety at affordable yet competitive prices. Working with individuals and large groups with their own needs and circumstances has helped me get a more mature understanding of sales and organizing shipping."

Thank you, Nick!

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DO YOU NEED FREE OR LOW-COST COMPUTERS OR INTERNET SERVICE?

COMMUNITY EVENTS

South Bay Affordable Internet Signup Event!
Saturday, February 25, 2023 10AM - 2PM
Sacred Heart Community Services
550 South First Street, San Jose

Learn more or drop in at the event!

Improve Your Computer Skills at the TecHub!
Free 4-class course at our Oakland TecHub
March 7, 9, 14, 16, 2023 from 1PM - 3PM 
Complete all four classes and get a free laptop!

Sign up online or call 510-866-2260

IN-PERSON...NEW HOURS!
Tech Exchange TecHub
2530 International Blvd., Oakland, CA 94601
Tuesday - Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 pm


CALL CENTER
Phone or text 510-866-2260
Email support@techexchange.org
Visit us at techexchange.org/visit-the-techub


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