Technology Service Corps FAQs
Below is a list of common questions we receive from individuals interested in applying for the Technology Service Corps program.
- Does it cost anything to participate in Technology Service Corps?
- Do I get paid while I am enrolled in Technology Service Corps?
- Do I need to attend class every day?
- Where does the training take place?
- How is Technology Service Corps different from other technology training programs?
- What will I learn if I enroll in Technology Service Corps?
- What do my daily activities look like while I am in the program?
- Can I work while I am in Technology Service Corps?
- Do I need a computer at home?
- When does the next term start and when are applications due?
- After I graduate from Technology Service Corps, what types of nonprofit jobs will I be eligible for and how much will I earn?
Does it cost anything to participate in Technology Service Corps?
The training is free. NPower NY covers all training costs associated with Technology Service Corps. Technology Service Corps participants will be responsible for daily meals and transportation.
In return for the free training, we ask that graduates make a commitment to work for a nonprofit organization as a paid technology staff person right after they finish the training.
Do I get paid while I am enrolled in Technology Service Corps?
During weeks 1 through 8 of the program, which consist of full-time classroom training and teamwork activities, students are not paid. Once they begin working as interns during weeks 9-12 of the program, they are paid a stipend for their work.
Do I need to attend class every day?
If a candidate is admitted to Technology Service Corps, he or she is required to attend class every day from 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM (hours may differ during internships). There are only three excused absences during the entire program. If a student misses more than three days, he or she will be asked to leave the program and will not be readmitted for up to six months. In addition, leaving early and lateness will not be tolerated.
Where does the training take place?
The training takes place at NPower NY's offices located at 145 W. 30th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues) in Manhattan.
How is Technology Service Corps different from other technology training programs?
Technology Service Corps focuses on teaching students how to be an entry-level technicians and great nonprofit staff members. One of TSC's goals is to teach students how nonprofits use technology and how technology can be used to help nonprofits' accomplish their missions more effectively.
What will I learn if I enroll in Technology Service Corps?
Technology Service Corps provides students with the skills to be junior network administrators. Students learn how to design, manage, and maintain a network at a nonprofit. For example, they learn how to add/delete users from the network, how to troubleshoot computer hardware and connectivity problems, and how to back-up data. Students also learn how to perform other important technology tasks that nonprofits need daily, such as website maintenance.
Upon completing Technology Service Corps, graduates should be able to receive their certification in computer hardware repair or network administration. We will give graduates information on how to prepare for those tests once they are in the program.
What do my daily activities look like while I am in the program?
Students attend full-time, hands-on classroom training during the first eight weeks of the program. While they do work with an instructor in the classroom, they also work closely with peers in the program. These activities give them a chance to apply their technology skills and learn how to work effectively in a team-based setting.
During weeks 9 through 12 of the program, students work under the supervision of technology staff at a New York City nonprofit on a technology project. The internship gives them the opportunity to get real-life work experience and apply their technology skills to helping a nonprofit make their community a better place to live. During this part of the program, students will be required to travel throughout New York City.
Can I work while I am in Technology Service Corps?
Technology Service Corps is a full-time program. You are required to be here the full 40 hours a week. There are no restrictions on working at night or on weekends as long as it doesn't interfere with your performance in the program.
Do I need a computer at home?
Students do not need a computer at home to participate in Technology Service Corps. They will have access to a computer at NPower NY. If they want to do additional computer-based work at night or on the weekends and they do not have a computer at home, we can provide a list of the community technology centers located throughout the city where they can access computers for free or at low-costs.
When does the next term start and when are applications due?
The next term will begin in the fall followed by another session beginning in the winter. Application deadlines are: Fall session: due July 25th, Winter session: due October 10th.
After I graduate from Technology Service Corps, what types of nonprofit jobs will I be eligible for and how much will I earn?
After graduating from Technology Service Corps, graduates will be qualified to work in the technology department of a large organization, helping to maintain its network. Graduates could also work at a smaller community-based organization both on its internal network and in its computer lab.
Graduates of the Technology Service Corps program receive job placement assistance. Every nonprofit is set up differently, so job titles will vary.
Also, while graduates are working, they can continue to return to NPower NY for additional technology training, which can help improve their skills and provide new ones.
As far as salary is concerned, each nonprofit organization has its own pay scale. On average, the pay for TSC graduates ranges between $20,000 and $30,000 per year. Please be aware that all graduates are required to be actively engaged in the job search process to receive job placement services.
