Lending technology a helping hand
Racine-based Tech Corps Wisconsin assists schools, residents, others
with computer training, equipme
By KELLY A. YOUNG
Special to the Journal Sentinel
Last Updated: Nov. 23, 2002
Racine - Over the last decade, technology has become an integral
part in educating young people, but current state budget constraints
hinder many schools from providing equipment and programs.
However, one area organization has been assisting hundreds of Wisconsin
schools, residents and other organizations in both areas.
Tech Corps Wisconsin, a non-profit organization based in Racine, is one
of 25 Tech Corps chapters nationwide that provides donated computers,
software, technology advice, and teacher training and mentoring.
The organization held an open house last week to unveil its newly
expanded office in the old Western Publishing building, 1220 Mound
Ave.
Racine resident Michael Pitsch, 50, founded the Wisconsin chapter in
1996 and now has one full-time staffer and more than 50 volunteers who
assist him in his mission to educate thousands of youths about
technology.
"Our slogan is see it, do it, teach," Pitsch said. "We have an influx
of volunteers and additional requests from schools and non-profit agencies
seeking our services. The most significant part of that demand is the
Racine after-school program."
Pitsch said low-income families or students should not be prevented
from learning and added that children who are from well-to-do families
also need help.
"Just recently we installed laptop computers to children in a gifted
and talented school in Appleton," Pitsch said. "And under a federal
program we provide computers and training to local low-income families as
well."
As part of the federally run program called the 21st Century Learning
Center and Racine County's Lighted School House Program, Tech Corps
Wisconsin provides 300 families a year with computers, training and
support and Internet access.
Pitsch said school districts screen and pick families to receive two
two-hour sessions provided to one parent and the oldest school-age
child.
But it's the school districts that keep Tech Corps busy.
"We've put in about 500 computers in the Burlington area schools in the
last two years," Pitsch said, "and another 100 computers and three new
computer labs in the new Waterford high school."
Public libraries, parochial, private and home schools also are
considered for projects.
Tech Corps selects partner schools based on strong administrative
interest and support; curricular goals utilizing technology; a dedicated
and interested group of teachers, community partners, corporate partners,
PTA and alumni groups; and a willingness to let the students take part in
creating and maintaining the technology.
Tech Corps Wisconsin provides the following services to schools:
Refurbished computer systems (schools are responsible for software
licensing).
Public awareness of technology projects for schools.
Assistance with integration of donated computer systems and
software.
Assistance with technology curriculum integration.
Assistance with distribution and utilization of grant funds.
Coordination of computer infrastructure improvements.
Formal teacher training programs and informal teacher mentoring.
Consultation and strategic planning assistance.
Technical support services via Web page and e-mail.
The organization also is accepting monetary donations to help pay
operational costs and help purchase equipment parts.
For information about Tech Corps Wisconsin, call Mike Pitsch at
(262) 619-0931 or e-mail him at executivedirector@tcw.org or visit
www.tcw.org.
A version of this story appeared in the Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel on Nov. 24, 2002.
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