Year of Assistance

The Year of Assistance (YoA) program at Teaming for Technology (T4T) is a free service that we provide to qualified non-profit organizations in Chicago, Illinois. The goal of the YoA is to provide a sound technological framework from which non-profit organizations can move forward to better serve their communities.

Application Process

The process begins by either submitting an application directly to us or by attending our *Tech Breakfast* (held twice per year) to learn more about what we do, who is qualified, and what a typical year looks like.

(To view the presentation slides from the Tech Breakfast we held on 12/09/2005, click here.)

During the year, we have two application deadlines, and therefore two continuous cycles of agencies that we work with.

Once an agency has submitted an application, the team will review it to determine if we would like to schedule an interview. The purpose of the interview is to discuss in greater detail whether or not we feel an an agencies needs are something we can adequately address. If we believe there is a good fit, we will notify the agency within two weeks of the interview that they have been accepted into T4T's Year of Assistance program.

The Year

Upon the beginning of the YoA, agencies are required to attend a *Tech Planning Workshop*, following which they will be expected to write a *Technology Plan*. During this process, T4T will visit the site to assess need and provide support.

Once the Tech Plan is complete, the real work begins. Agencies will submit *project proposals* to the volunteer manager and these projects will be listed on our website. Volunteers then apply to work on projects and are matched based on their qualifications and interests. T4T provides the volunteer with the agency contact information and the three work together to accomplish the goals of the project.

Throughout the year, T4T organizes classes and provides tech support for our agencies.

Upon completion of the YoA, agencies are expected to reassess and perhaps rework their tech plans and participate in an exit interview.

Timeline for the YoA