The rise of information technology is rapidly changing the way people think, learn and work. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to the computer technology that most Americans take for granted. The San Diego Futures Foundation is working to ensure that everyone in San Diego, regardless of income or background, can join in the digital future. Times of San Diego spoke with Executive Director Gary Knight about the organization’s work.
What’s the mission of the San Diego Futures Foundation?
Our mission is to improve people’s lives throughout San Diego County by making information technology available to under-served individuals, organizations and disadvantaged small businesses through training, education, technical services and equipment. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by a variety of local funders including the County of San Diego and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
What services do you provide?
We support the community by making information technology available to under-served populations, providing computer equipment, training, support, IT outsourcing, and digital media services to nonprofit organizations, disadvantaged small businesses, low-income households, disabled people, youth and seniors.
For example, one of our most important programs is our Youth IT Program that focuses on technical education and training for transition-age, low-income youth throughout San Diego County. This program has been a springboard for youth in their exploration and journey towards meaningful IT careers.
Another program that has been very impactful is our Senior Tech Ambassador Program, a volunteer-driven program that teaches basic computer classes to seniors 62+. Classes are located in varying parts of San Diego and are free.
Not only do we offer education to the community, but we ensure people have access to technology at home. Through our low-income computer sales, we also offer a variety of low-cost computers to those in the community who qualify under our low-income guidelines, which also includes other nonprofit organizations or those who work within the nonprofit sector.
Last but definitely not least, the foundation offers low-cost technical support and digital media services to other nonprofits at a very low cost in comparison with other for-profit companies that might offer similar types of services. Because such services are crucial for nonprofits to run efficiently and effectively, we are truly honored to offer such an important service as we believe we are helping our partner nonprofits execute their own missions and, ultimately, impact thousands of people in San Diego County.
How many people do you estimate that you’ve helped over the years?
Since its establishment in 1999, San Diego Futures Foundation has distributed over 46,000 computers throughout the community, trained over 9,500 youth, adults, and seniors, provided certification testing for more than 1,600 individuals, served over 4,300 people through its technical support center, and assisted over 180 nonprofits through multimedia services, and over 200 nonprofits through our technical services.
What challenges does the organization currently face?
One of the greatest challenges we face as an organization is visibility within the community, and we believe we’re one of the “best kept secrets” within the nonprofit sector. We are a nonprofit with a very unique and important mission and want to ensure all that of San Diego knows about us and can utilize the very practical and effective programs and services we have to offer. Therefore, we’re always trying to come up with new ways to share our mission with the community.
How can interested San Diegans get involved?
There are a number of ways people can get involved with our organization. One of the simplest ways is through volunteering. We have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities on our website, whether someone wants to teach senior citizens how to use a computer, participate in organizational administrative tasks, serve as an IT professional mentor for our Youth IT Program, or volunteer to help with organizational outreach.
We also have an e-waste recycling program. People are always looking to get rid of old electronic equipment, and often aren’t sure of how to do so. Well, they can just drop these items off at our offices in City Heights and we’ll recycle them. Over the years we’ve recycled over 2.7 million pounds of e-waste.
Thirdly, as we all know, nonprofits can’t offer the programs and services they do without funding and financial support from monetary donations. Therefore, monetary donations are always deeply appreciated.
Times of San Diego regularly writes about nonprofit organizations that are making a difference in San Diego. Organizations wishing to participate in this question-and-answer series may contact news@timesofsandiego.com for consideration.
