As the new school year kicks off, Dell Technologies announces its interactive, skills-focusedStudent TechCrewprogram has expanded across the U.S.andAustralia -a ten-fold increase since launching the pilot in 2019. The trajectory of the program underscores Dell's commitment to empowering all students with skills, resources and technology to build a diverse talent pipeline for the futureworkforce.

Dell Student TechCrew provides hands-on training and self-paced learning opportunities within schools, equipping students, ages 13 to 18, with technology skills and future career opportunities.

Designed as a student-led help desk, participants earn their DellTechDirectcertification. Once certified, TechCrew students support their peers and school staff members with technology issues. In the process, they gain career development skills including critical thinking, entrepreneurship, customer service and personal brand development. 

"To address the digital divide in a way that affects long-term change, we must address both the technology access and digital literacy gap," saidCassandra Garber, vice president of Environmental and Social Governance, Dell Technologies."Through Student TechCrew, we're able to do just that by increasing participants' access to technical and career skills, while also ensuring increased access to devices for all students in participating districts."

Impact inside and outside the classroom

Student TechCrew's scale from less than 10 schools in 2019 to over 130 for the year 2022-2023 is just one example of its success. In the 2021-2022 school year, nearly 1,000 high schoolers participated in the Student TechCrew program. Now, more than 200,000 students across the United States have access to TechCrew technical help desks for their immediate IT needs.

The impact of Student TechCrew expands far beyond the classroom. They can also participate in the annualConrad Innovation Challenge, which is a global challenge designed to provide students with entrepreneurial skills. They apply science, technology and innovation to solve problems with a global impact and have the support of industry experts who help them gain the skills needed to thrive in college and the 21st-century workforce.

Dell Student TechCrew has inspired students to change college and career plans to pursue new avenues within technology they didn't believe to be possible. Some have even leveraged theirTechDirect certificationto land jobs in their dream IT careers right out of high school.

Dell will match students' expanded interest with expanded investment, including improving the training and student experience.

Notably, Dell will introduce new student-led training during this school year. There will be a series of tutorials recorded by veteran students for students.

Working towards a more digitally inclusive tomorrow

Student TechCrew is the latest example of Dell's commitment to advancing digital inclusion and ensuring all individuals and communities have access to and can use technology to participate in society. As a leader in this industry, Dell and its network of global non-profits, customers, partners and dedicated team members are building a foundation of greater connection to the digital economy and building a more equitable future. 

In addition to Student TechCrew, Dell's commitment is evident in ongoing partnerships and global and regional programs, such asSolar Community Hubs and Girls Who Game, all of which help to foster greater digital inclusion.

These programs, and their combined success-to-date, represent how Dell's technology can scale. Supported by a team of dedicated experts, these initiatives have helped transform the lives of nearly 160 million people across the globe. With a commitment to advancing health and education through digital inclusion initiatives, Dell aims to achieve its2030 goalof delivering ongoing value for one billion people. 

Teacher and Student Quotes 

• "TechCrew has given me the opportunity to broaden my technological horizons. It has given me more real-world experience than any other class I have taken," says aPampa ISD Student.I also love the laid-back, close-knit atmosphere. I've met great and helpful teachers, I've done challenging work, and felt like I've made a difference."
• "TechCrew has been an amazing opportunity for our Paulding College & Career Academy students in Cybersecurity," saysYouth Apprenticeship Coordinator, Paulding County School District."We are hoping to expand the program to reach more students throughout our district so they can become a Dell Technician and use those skills in post-secondary endeavors."
• "TechCrew has made a big impact on not only my high school career but my life," says aSam Houston Independent School District Student."It showed me that as a girl in STEM there are positions for me and many other girls out there. It gave me the opportunity to finally take a step towards a STEM career."
• "TechCrew has been a game changer for our district, "says Dave Doubravsky, Assistant Superintendent of Education, Jurupa Unified School District.Not only are our students learning valuable employability skills, but they also earn recognized industry certification and can step right into the workforce at graduation or continue their studies in the technologies."

Additional Resources 

• Learn more about Dell'sEducation and Digital Inclusion work
• If interested in getting your school involved with Dell StudentTechCrew:
  • Visit theDell Student TechCrewwebsite to learn more
  • Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements:
    • Dell hardware and service entitlement
    • Identify an adult to facilitate the program
    • Designate a space for the helpdesk
  • Request enrollment- you can join the list now, but the next enrollment kick-off will be January 2023