Technology plays an essential role in today’s workforce – yet thousands of DC-area residents lack even basic computer skills. Byte Back addresses this challenge and simultaneously combats poverty by providing historically excluded communities an equitable pathway into the digital economy and its living-wage careers. Through digital literacy classes, adult scholars learn the basics of how to navigate computers, the internet, email, Microsoft Office, and tools like telehealth and online banking. Free industry-recognized tech certification courses prepare them for careers in either information technology or business services. Certification graduates (70 last year) get the career support they need, including job search and softs skills assistance like interview prep, resume building, cover letter direction, LinkedIn advice, internship placement, and employment assistance. Last year, 208 Byte Back scholars completed digital skills training and equipped themselves to enter the digital economy.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 6

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Montgomery County; MD-Prince George's County

Age Groups Served: Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+)

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; All


  • Number of student enrollments annually:   700+
  • Industry-recognized certifications earned annually:   60+
  • Students obtaining employment increased their income by an estimated:   $24,000
  • Hours of class, tutoring, jobs labs, internships, and field trips:   6,755

Awards & Recognition

WeWork Creator Award Winners, 2017 & 2018

BDPA of Washington, DC, President's Community Award, 2017

DC Inno, 50 on Fire, 2017

Two-time finalist for the Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management, 2010 & 2012

Selected by the Catalogue for Philanthropy as one of the District’s Best Nonprofits, 2010 & 2015

Licensed post secondary educational institution by the DC Educational Licensure Commission, September 2009



Press

Budget (FY2013)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for Byte Back is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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