Tech Impact, a 501(c)(3) that empowers communities and nonprofits to use technology to better serve our world, today unveiled its new workforce training hub, located in the former B&O Station, a historic building in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. The nonprofit purchased the 3,400-square-foot property with support from a $1.25 million grant from Barclays US Consumer Bank. Situated along the Riverfront, the new ‘Tech Impact Opportunity Center supported by Barclays’ will serve as a permanent training facility for Tech Impact’s ITWorks program and act as an administrative office for the training staff.
“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,” said Patrick Callihan, Executive Director of Tech Impact. “The Tech Impact Opportunity Center is an ideal location for the new hub with the train station, bus routes and the Riverfront all within walking distance. This offers our staff and students convenient parking, restaurants, and outdoor experiences. We appreciate the support from our longtime partner, Barclays, in making this a reality.”
A Historic Property
Tech Impact spent several months looking for a new location before choosing the B&O Station building. Originally designed by esteemed architect and Civil War leader Frank Furness in 1887, the property was vacant for much of the 20th century until ING Direct (Capital One) refurbished it in 2004 to be an executive conference center.
With support from the Barclays grant, Tech Impact invested in an interior refresh, outfitting the building with new carpet, paint, and signage, as well as new student desks and tables crafted by local Challenge Program trainees.
Tech Impact in Delaware
Headquartered in Philadelphia, Tech Impact serves over 300 organizations across the U.S. with managed IT support. Since 2012, its ITWorks workforce training program has had a presence in Wilmington at various temporary training sites. Tech Impact also delivers training and services at two facilities in southern Nevada and in Philadelphia.
“We are proud to support ITWorks with the new ‘Tech Impact Opportunity Center’ in Wilmington,” said Mona Jantzi, Managing Director, Barclays US Consumer Bank and Tech Impact Board Member. “Since 2014, we have worked hand in hand with Tech Impact to support its workforce development programs in Delaware and Nevada and are committed to continuing to work with organizations like them to provide pathways to employment.”
Tech Impact is a key partner in helping to deliver Barclays’ Citizenship strategy, focused on enabling people to develop the skills and confidence for work. By 2022, Barclays’ community programs will help place 250,000 people around the world into work. “We are proud to work alongside Barclays to diversify the tech talent pipeline in Delaware. Through our program, ITWorks, we are working together to connect a diverse population of youth to opportunities for careers in technology,” added Callihan.
