History
Youth Technology Corps (YTC) began in 1998 when David Finkel, former high school teacher and community organizer, was looking for creative ways to engage students in an after school club. He came across a bunch of used computers someone was throwing away, brought them to his students and said “See what can you do with these”. Being naturally curious and creative, they took apart the computers, learned how to repair them, and then set up a computer lab for the school.
YTC Founder Dave Finkel
As long as you have something to give to others, you are never poorThis motto has been our driving force in helping young people to strengthen themselves and their communities through the understanding and use of personal computer technology
Thus began the ‘Cyber Service’ at Morton East High School in Cicero. Dave and his students met regularly, got more computers, and found other places in their community to donate technology labs. Much of the student body at Morton East has family origins in the state of Durango, Mexico, so Dave took a few students and 5 computers south of the border, the first of now nine annual trips, donating and setting up computer labs in schools in Mexico.
As The Cyber Service grew, so did Dave’s vision. In 2003 he incorporated as a 501(c)3, the Youth Technology Corps, recognizing the powerful combination of teens and technology. When After School Matters was formed by the City of Chicago, the partnership with the Park District, the Library and community organizations that provide after-school programs for Chicago Public Schools, Dave had a successful model ready to roll out. YTC now runs ten after-school programs in the Chicago area, eight of them in partnership with After School Matters
