The Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) is advancing digital equity across Philadelphia through its Power Up Philly initiatives. Our Power Up Tech Corps is made up of volunteers who support Philly residents in building their digital literacy skills and reaching their goals.
Volunteers take on active roles as lab monitors, classroom aides, digital skills instructors, and more. They serve at partner sites across Philadelphia, including:
- Parks and Recreation computer labs.
- Free Library locations.
- Adult Education providers.
- Community organizations.
We accept and place volunteers in the Power Up Tech Corps on a rolling basis. If you’re interested in volunteering, complete the volunteer application form.
Eligibility
You don’t need to have a high level of digital skills to apply. We provide volunteers with technical and interpersonal training.
We seek the following qualities in our volunteers:
- Patience
- Empathy
- Cultural sensitivity
- Openness to learning
Requirements
Application process
Fill out the Power Up Tech Corps volunteer application form.
Once your application is received, the process to become a Power Up Tech Corps volunteer is as follows:
We will match your interests and experience with the appropriate volunteer opportunity.
If you want to work with youth, or at a Parks & Rec or Free Library site, you must submit the PA Criminal History Background Check and PA Child Abuse Clearance.
Some partner sites may require an FBI Criminal Background Check, but this can be waived for Pennsylvania residents who have lived here for over 10 consecutive years.
We ask all volunteers to complete the Power Up Tech Corps Orientation. These will be offered regularly through Teams. We will share this information after your 20-minute screening call.
We will connect you with your volunteer site supervisor and provide you with any relevant information about your volunteer site and their needs. You will confirm your schedule and responsibilities with that site supervisor.
Depending on your volunteer position, you may need to complete OIT trainings or site-specific trainings.