Tech Impact and Barclays Breathe New Life into Historic B&O Station

NONPROFIT UNVEILS NEW TECH IMPACT OPPORTUNITY CENTER SUPPORTED BY BARCLAYS

BY PATRICK CALLIHAN

A historic property on the Riverfront in Wilmington is getting a second chance. With support from Barclays US Consumer Bank, Tech Impact has revived the old B&O station on South Market Street into a hub for underserved, diverse young individuals to commence their careers in information technology. The ‘Tech Impact Opportunity Center supported by Barclays,’ is now a permanent training facility for ITWorks, Tech Impact’s workforce development program that has helped more than 700 people kick-start their careers in IT in Wilmington and beyond—at no cost to the students. The new hub will also act as an administrative office for the workforce development staff.

“We have seen an increase in demand for IT jobs as a result of the shift to virtual and hybrid work and learning,” said Becca Johnson, managing director of philanthropy and programs at Tech Impact. “Creating a permanent home for one of our most impactful programs will allow us to bring our classes back in person and ultimately support more students and staff than we ever have before.”

The nonprofit purchased the centuries-old property with support from part of a two-year $1.25 million grant from Barclays as well as funding from other donors including The Longwood Foundation, The Welfare Foundation, Crystal Trust, and Crestlea Foundation. The investments enabled Tech Impact to refresh the interior, outfit the building with new carpet, paint, and place signage as well as new student desks and tables crafted by the local nonprofit, Challenge Program trainees.

“We are proud to support ITWorks with the new ‘Tech Impact Opportunity Center’ in Wilmington,” said Mona Jantzi, managing director of Barclays US Consumer Bank and Tech Impact board member. “Since 2014, Barclays has worked hand in hand with Tech Impact to support its workforce development programs in Delaware and are committed to continuing to work with organizations like them to provide pathways to employment around the world—with the ambition to help connect 250,000 people into work by 2022.”

Originally designed by esteemed architect and Civil War leader Frank Furness in 1887, the property was vacant for much of the 20th century until ING Direct (now Capital One) refurbished it in 2004 to be an executive conference center. Tech Impact, headquartered in Philadelphia with a presence in Wilmington for the last several years, felt the property’s Riverfront location was ideal for the new hub due to its proximity to the train station, bus routes, and the Riverfront—all within walking distance. Staff and students can access convenient parking, restaurants, and outdoor experiences.

Tech Impact is a nonprofit on a mission to empower communities and nonprofits to use technology to better serve the world. The organization is a leading provider of technology education and solutions for nonprofits and operates award-winning IT and customer experience training programs and workforce intermediary services that are designed to help individuals launch careers.

Patrick Callihan is the executive director of Tech Impact.