Table of Contents

A Letter to the

Community From Byte

Back's Executive

Director

Byte Back Celebrates

Summer Graduates

Byte Back Workshops

Prepare Students for the

GED

Cheers to Our

Volunteers

Success Story: Tameka

Brown

Student Spotlight:

Kenneth Moore

Volunteer of the Month:

AmeriCorps

Upcoming Events

Volunteer Opportunities

Byte Back’s Online Newsletter | July 2014

INFO - BITS

www.byteback.org | 202.529.3395 | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

A Letter to the Community

From Byte Back's Executive Director

To our dear supporters,

I wanted you to be among the first to know that I have notified

the Byte Back board of directors and staff that I intend to step

down as executive director.

This was a difficult decision for me, as I love this organization

with all my heart and am deeply proud of my association with

it. We have accomplished what I set out to do when I accepted

the position six years ago, and I am ready for a change. I firm-

ly believe that it is healthy for organizations to rotate leader-

ship periodically, and there is no better time than when an or-

ganization is sound and poised to move to the next level.

Our board of directors has never been stronger-the kind of board that executive direc-

tors dream of: fully engaged in strategic planning, oversight, and resource develop-

ment. Our financial situation is solid: we ended the fiscal year in June not only in the

black but with a $250K reserve fund. Our standards of instruction and services are un-

paralleled, and the Byte Back team-from senior management to direct service providers

-delivers consistent, high-quality results for our students.

My departure will allow the organization to find the right leader for the next phase of

Byte Back's development. The board of directors is moving quickly to engage a search

firm to assist with recruiting the best candidate. I am dedicated to seeing the process

through, and will remain with Byte Back until my successor is in place or until next

May at the latest.

Our board chair, Keith Clark, is committed to keeping our stakeholders informed

throughout the transition period. He welcomes the opportunity to address any ques-

tions or concerns that you may have. I encourage you to reach out to him; he may be

reached at KClark@byteback.org.

During my time as executive director, I often said, "I have the best job in Washington."

Now, as the organization stands poised to enter the next phase of its development, I

affirm this sentiment. Not only has it been a privilege to serve our students, who are so

determined to learn new skills and impart change in their own lives. I have had the

honor of working closely with individuals whose talent and dedication continue to in-

spire me.

I am so appreciative of the support that Byte Back has received over the past six years

from our volunteers, students and alumni, program and funding partners, and our do-

nors. Please rest assured that Byte Back will continue to meet its current commitments

and serve the community well.

Fondly,

Kelley

2

JULY 2014 INFO-BITS

www.byteback.org | 202.529.3395 | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

Byte Back Celebrates Summer Graduates By: Eric VanDreason, Computer Instructor

Attendees packed the room at this year's Byte Back's summer graduation

ceremony held at Catholic University's Caldwell Auditorium. Over a hun-

dred graduates and their supporters made our most recent graduation one

of our biggest yet.

In all, Byte Back proudly celebrated 25 IC3 graduates, 10 A+ graduates,

13 graduates from Enterprise DC, and 80 Office Track graduates. The cer-

emony, which was sponsored by PNC Bank, featured remarks from inspir-

ing students and some distinguished visiting leaders in government and

technology, including words from Thomas Luparello, acting director of

the Department of Employment Services and Councilmember David

Grosso's Chief of Staff Dionne Calhoun. Student speakers included Office

Track graduate Denise Lewis, Enterprise DC graduate Kenneth Moore,

and A+ graduate Sean Farrar.

Mr. Luparello's remarks included some words of wisdom about how hands

-on learning can greatly enhance leadership qualities. "Some of you may

know that I have built a strong career in the IT field and I can tell you from

firsthand experience that it is truly a rewarding field," he said. "Many of

those skills learned in this field equipped me with the skills I needed to become the leader I am today."

Speaking on behalf of David Grosso, Dionne Calhoun was inspired by the number of well-paying jobs received

by recent graduates. "It is extremely important that we are supporting training that is so successful so that D.C.

residents can support their families," Ms. Calhoun said.

Enterprise DC participant Kenneth Moore encouraged his fellow graduates to stay committed to their classes in

order to see success spring up elsewhere in their lives. Mr. Moore said, "Through Byte Back, I was given a new

lease on life. Byte Back has something for you to do that can make a difference in your life." Mr. Moore also

shared a taste of his own success with the audience. "I have sold over 17,000 cupcakes, just in the past year," he

said to resounding applause. "My advice to you is to get involved, do something, make a difference."

We at Byte Back

would like to extend

our deepest congrat-

ulations to all our

graduates. We hope

to see many of the

graduates back in IT

certification classes

this coming term,

and we look forward

to remaining com-

mitted to supporting

their journey in their

education and ca-

reers.

Councilmember David Grosso's Chief of

Staff Dionne Calhoun

3

JULY 2014 INFO-BITS

www.byteback.org | 202.529.3395 | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

By: Erika Baumann, Computer Instructor

It takes a lot of studying to prepare for the

four sections of the General Education Devel-

opment test, or GED. In addition to all of the

academic knowledge it covers, students pre-

paring to take the comprehensive exam now

find themselves having to sharpen an addi-

tional set of skills -- how to use a comput-

er. In January 2014, the GED changed from a

paper test to one offered exclusively on com-

puters.

In an effort to better prepare soon-to-be test

takers, Byte Back held a session of the work-

shops on July 15th focusing entirely on devel-

oping the computer skills needed to take the

new, digitized GED test. The workshop was

held at the computer lab at Southeast Minis-

try, and Byte Back Instructor Kalleigh Landstra led students with a range of computer experience through an

explanation of the format of the computerized test, as well as the setup of questions they may encounter. In

addition to the typical multiple choice test questions, students taking the computerized GED exam will face

questions that will ask them to navigate various windows, drag-and-drop data into the appropriate location, and

type their own open-ended responses. These workshops were suggested and funded by the Office of the State

Superintendent of Education (OSSE), and they were created in partnership with the DC Public Library's Adult

Literacy Resource Center.

All seven of the workshop's attendees are involved in Southeast Ministry's GED program, and most plan on

taking the test in the coming months. Diane Anderson commented that without the workshop, she definitely

would have "gotten stuck" on some of the computer skills needed to answer test questions. She said that it

"got me prepared for some of what I'll have to do"

when she takes the GED test in three weeks.

Other students appreciated the workshop as an op-

portunity to dispel misconceptions and better un-

derstand what computer skills they would have to

demonstrate; many were relieved to get a preview

of what the real test would look like and to learn

about extra resources such as online practice

tests. Byte Back held another workshop at the

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on July

29th, that allowed even more students to gain criti-

cal computer knowledge.

One student, confident in his technological skills

thanks to the workshop, added, "My GED is get-

ting easier and easier."

Instructor Kalleigh Landstra leads a workshop.

Byte Back Workshops Prepare Students for the GED

4

By: Jessica Bates, Communications Associate

At the third annual Cheers to Our Volunteers event,

guests gathered at nclud's event space in downtown

D.C. to celebrate all the accomplishments of this year's

Byte Back volunteers.

Erica Young, outgoing AmeriCorps member, organized

the event, which included a buffet and open bar. The

event gave staff and volunteers a chance to share stories

and successes from the past year. "I want to thank you

from the bottom of my heart for all the really great work

you have done," Byte Back Director Kelley Ellsworth

told the crowd. "What you do is such a gift. Byte Back

wouldn't be Byte Back without you." Ashley Luttmer,

Byte Back's director of volunteer services, shared more

information about volunteering at Byte Back. "Over the

last year, we had 171 community volunteers serve as board members, ambassadors, teachers, and tutors," she

said. "They gave over 6,000 hours of their time. I'm totally in awe of what you do for our students. You inspire

me every day." In addition to our community volunteers, our AmeriCorps donated over 18,000 hours of their

time last year.

The event also served as a celebration of Ashley Luttmer who left Byte Back this month to enroll in a teaching

program. Byte Back's new director of volunteer services, Siera Toney, will start at Byte Back on August 4.

Thanks to all who attended, and we look forward to our next year together!

The beautiful event space for this event was provided for free to Byte Back by nclud. All proceeds from events

at this space benefit Byte Back’s programs.

Cheers to Our Volunteers

By: Jessica Bates, Communications Associate

After Tameka Brown was laid off from her job as an administrative assistant, she

spent three years sending out her resume with no response. She struggled to stay

motivated. "It was hard to be out of work for so long," she says. "You're not able

to do a lot of things."

With no college degree or formal training in computers, Tameka realized that she

needed to show potential employers that her skills were up-to-date. She found

Byte Back after looking online for computer classes, and she signed up for PC for

Beginners 2. After completing this class, she progressed to Office Track where

she learned to use the programs in the Microsoft Office Suite. Tameka then en-

rolled in IC3 (Internet and Computing Core Certification), a global certification

program that helps to prepare students for office professions.

While enrolled in IC3, Tameka got help with her resume from Abdullah Alnas-

sar, Byte Back's job developer. She posted the updated resume on job search sites

Success Story: Tameka Brown

Tameka Brown

Continued

JULY 2014 INFO-BITS

www.byteback.org | 202.529.3395 | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

5

JULY 2014 INFO-BITS

www.byteback.org | 202.529.3395 | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

By: LaTierra Piphus, Computer Instructor

All spring, Kenneth Moore brought cupcakes, positive

energy, and good humor to his Enterprise DC classes.

As both a pastor and the entrepreneur behind KY Des-

serts & Deli, Kenneth loves to brighten people's day

with words of encouragement and sweet

treats. Kenneth has spent the past few months as a par-

ticipant in Enterprise DC, a program developed by Byte

Back, the Washington Area Community Investment

Fund (WACIF), and the Greater Hispanic Chamber of

Commerce (GWHCC) to help local entrepreneurs de-

velop small businesses.

Though Kenneth is a gifted baker and self-promoter,

the program gave him the skills he needed to take his

business to the next level. "Everything that I knew

about computers my knowledge has increased a

hundredfold," he says. He's learned how to use graphic

design and social media to better market his products,

and he's now able to do his own accounting using

QuickBooks. Kenneth is thankful for everyone who has made his experience in class so positive. "Byte Back,

Enterprise DC, everybody has just been phenomenal in all of their assistance, guidance and endurance." His

business has grown tremendously; over the past year, he has sold over 17,000 cupcakes.

Kenneth credits his faith as well as Byte Back for helping him succeed. "If you are feeling like you can't, you

actually have to say to yourself that you can" he says. "You can find a program that's designed specifically for

you, and it's going to help you achieve dreams that you didn't even think were possible." We here at Byte Back

have certainly enjoyed having him, and we look forward to seeing everything he will achieve!

Student Spotlight: Kenneth Moore

Kenneth Moore receiving his graduate certificate from

Director of Programs Eleanor Grewal.

including Monster and CareerBuilder, though she didn't plan to restart her job search until she finished her

class. But the very next day, she started getting calls from recruiters. "It had taken me three years to get a

callback from anyone, and suddenly I had more calls than I could handle," she says. She attributes the change

in her job search directly to her Byte Back classes and to Abullah's help. "Adding on those classes made a big

difference," Tameka says. "I don't think employers were even giving my resume a chance before."

Last month, she started a new position as an office coordinator with Data Quality Campaign, a nonprofit, non-

partisan, national advocacy organization dedicated to improving the availability and use of high-quality educa-

tion data to improve student achievement. She loves the friendly office environment, and she's enjoying her

new role even more than her old career as an administrative assistant. "When I was a receptionist, I was stuck

in a chair all day," she says. "This position allows me to move around and really help people."

Once she settles into her new job, Tameka plans to continue to take certification classes. She's successfully be-

come certified in IC3 and the skills she learned at Byte Back, like how to use Microsoft Outlook, are helping

her out every day on her new job. Her life now is a far cry from her years of unemployment. "I'm so much

happier," she says. "I really can't even describe it."

6

By: Ashley Luttmer, Director of Volunteer Services

Since AmeriCorps members began serving

at Byte Back in 2009, our capacity to teach

computer literacy classes has exploded.

These full-time volunteers commit to serve

the community for 1,700 hours over 11

months. AmeriCorps members teach most

of our classes; they teach at Byte Back,

public libraries, and nonprofits all around

the city. Because they volunteer full time,

they're able to spend extra time on their

students; members often tutor before or

after class and create supplemental materi-

als for their classes.

In addition to teaching, AmeriCorps mem-

bers do a lot of work to build organization-

al capacity and support Byte Back's pro-

grams. Each of our AmeriCorps have used their unique talents to contribute to Byte Back's work this year:

Cherise served her second term this year as a dedicated teacher. She taught Enterprise DC classes, revised our

web design class, learned Excel for Business, taught during the day and the evening, and revised Outlook cur-

riculum. She is unwaveringly patient, kind, and helpful, especially when advising new instructors.

Neil also served a second term this year. He taught Enterprise DC classes, developed Excel for Business, im-

proved our graphic design course, revised our Word curriculum, edited reports, and developed and presented

trainings. His thoughtful, accepting, and creative approach to teaching helped his students feel welcome and

motivated.

LaTierra moved from Wisconsin to work with us. She worked on the PowerPoint curriculum, and brought an

innovative and focused approach to all her classes.

Kalleigh moved from Michigan to work with us. She revised our PC for Beginners 2 curriculum, worked on

our student surveys, and taught our Literacy Learners course. Her persistence and thoughtful presence inspired

everyone around her to do better.

Erika moved from New Jersey to work with us. She taught our Literacy Learners course, our library work-

shops, and served as a talented photographer at many of our classes and events. She also wrote several

thoughtful articles for our newsletter. Erika is unwaveringly hardworking and kind, and we wish her the best

in her upcoming move to Alaska.

Eric moved from Baltimore to work with us. He co-revised our PC for Beginners 2 curriculum, contributed to

our social media, and helped to organize several of our events. Eric is a friendly, thoughtful, and creative indi-

vidual, and he has worked hard to promote Byte Back's mission.

Erica worked a shorter term than most of the other AmeriCorps, which meant she served all of her hours in an

abbreviated time frame. She really stepped up this year to help us with our community workshop volunteers,

teaching workshops, and organizing our graduation and volunteer appreciation event. We will miss her friend-

ly and positive energy.

JULY 2014 INFO-BITS

www.byteback.org | 202.529.3395 | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

Director of Volunteer Services Ashley Luttmer and the 2013/2014 AmeriCorps

Volunteer of the Month: AmeriCorps

7

JULY 2014 INFO-BITS

www.byteback.org | 202.529.3395 | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter www.byteback.org | 202.529.3395 | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

Kara also served a shorter, more intensive term. She created videos on volunteering, decorated our Little Free

Library, and coordinated this year's Community Computer Day and our most recent graduation. Kara is per-

ceptive, creative, and hardworking, and we wish her the best in her upcoming move to California.

On behalf of everyone at Byte Back, I want to thank all of our AmeriCorps for their hard work and dedication.

We wish you all the best!

Byte Back is now recruiting AmeriCorps for the 2014-15 program year! Our AmeriCorps instructors give back

to their community while building critical job skills. Find out more about the year of service through Ameri-

Corps and our Byte Back position description .

"Volunteering is the most effective means to give back to your community and to continue to develop the

human spirit."

- Ted Frazier, Volunteer Instructor

We have several exciting volunteer opportunities coming up! These include:

Teaching Classes: Lead a series of short classes on a variety of computer topics

Become a Board Member: Give back to your community by helping us carry out our mission. You can

join a specialized board committee such as our Sustainability Committee.

Become an Ambassador: Help us share our mission and vision by introducing community members to

Byte Back through our twice monthly tours.

If you'd like to learn more about these opportunities, or if you are interested in volunteering with Byte Back,

please email Siera Toney, Byte Back's director of volunteer services, at stoney@byteback.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

Founded in 1997, Byte Back seeks to improve economic opportunity in the Washington, D.C. area by provid-

ing computer literacy and job training for disadvantaged communities. Byte Back offers courses ranging from

basic computer literacy to Microsoft Office to internationally recognized computer certification prepara-

tion. Byte Back is licensed by the DC Educational Licensure Commission as a postsecondary educational insti-

tution.

About Byte Back