2020 Annual Report

Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD

Download the Annual Report as a PDF

The Mission

Byte Back provides a pathway of inclusive tech training that leads to living-wage careers.

Dear Friends,

We made it through. *Exhales*

There was never a more important time for Byte Back’s work than in 2020. Many low-tech jobs disappeared in the blink of an eye. Black communities disproportionately suffered from COVID-19, and all while facing the realities of racism from our streets to our systems. Adults without foundational computer skills were left without options. At the same time, so many households in Washington, DC, Baltimore, and across the country, struggled with connectivity.

Byte Back students and staff had to find a way to stay connected— to technology, to education, to our goals, and to each other. We had to comfort each other through losses. Our staff, students, and communities found a way through this extraordinary year together.

Even in the midst of a global pandemic, we remained committed to our mission and building a pathway to living-wage careers. Thanks to our donors, we got our students laptops and internet, and they continued their journeys.

At the end of 2020, Byte Back hosted our first virtual graduation. It was such a joy to see our students embody hope as they celebrated. They were proud of themselves for achieving this milestone, under the most challenging of circumstances. I’m proud of them too. Some of them will continue learning and growing with us. Others have moved into living-wage careers. Our work will continue.

In 2021, we’re excited to bring on a new CEO to lead Byte Back into its next phase, as we continue to put tech within reach of the most marginalized people in our communities. None of this happens without your support. Thank you for being part of the solution. Thank you for supporting the resilience and hope of our students and communities. Desy Osunsade, Board Chair

Student Voices

WAKIA

Administrative Professional Graduate

“The year 2020 has often been termed as a year of vision. We’ve overcome obstacles that may have been set before us, like trying to work from home, homeschooling our children, or getting used to the new normal. We’ve had to deal with things that have been out of our control, whether it’s been suddenly losing a job, unemployment concerns, or loved ones affected by COVID. We persevered and pushed through no matter how difficult it may have been.

STEPHANIE

Administrative Professional Graduate

“[The Byte Back staff’s] passion and their drive has helped an inner-city mother of three like me, who’s been severely affected by COVID-19, have the opportunity to fight back and take back control of my life. Life will always have many unexpected twists and turns, but I discovered that the key to success is to keep moving forward. I’ve learned throughout this to be the hero of my own life.”

BARCLAY

IT Professional Graduate

“As an adult, I found myself working odd jobs while studying to get an IT certification on my own, but I needed help finding my career. That’s when my brother told me about Byte Back. I enrolled in the CompTIA A+ course, and eight months later I got my first paycheck in tech. For the first time in my life, I have a career, not just a job.”