YMCA of the Roses

TechRev York is the YMCA of the Roses’ STEM and technology hub in downtown York City, PA that is seeking to make a career in the STEM industry a possibility for all by conducting programming around 3 main service areas: Workforce Development, Youth Development, and STEM Ecosystem Development.

Service Area: Workforce Development

The team at TechRev York works with the local community and tech-related organizations to train residents for high-paying jobs in the STEM field while providing services and support for organizations looking to move or expand into the York area.

Service Area: Youth Development

Through partnerships with other youth-serving groups and YMCA programs, the team at TechRev York will work with youths from historically disadvantaged backgrounds to give them the instruction, resources, and connections they need to learn how to thrive in a career in STEM.

Service Area: Ecosystem Development

TechRev York brings cutting-edge and modern technology to the York City area so that anyone in the region can access the resources they need to pursue their goals in STEM fields. Coworking spaces offer those looking to break into the STEM industry affordable ways to connect with leaders and peers. Specialized equipment, such as tech and robotics labs, give local entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations the tools they need to thrive in their STEM endeavors. 

Connecting Employees and Employers

The STEM industry offers many opportunities for lucrative careers to individuals with the proper training and experience. A study called “The STEM Labor Force of Today” by the National Science Foundation highlights how jobs in the STEM field pay more, are more accessible, and are increasing in number faster than jobs in non-STEM fields on average. However, many groups, such as ethnic minorities and women, are vastly underrepresented in the field and many employers are having trouble filling positions due to increased demand.

Advancing Students’ Educations

A study done by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, “The Effects of High School Students’ STEM Course-Taking Patterns,” found that high school students who took STEM courses were more likely to graduate high school, enroll in college, and graduate in four years than those who did not take STEM courses. However, the study also found that students from ethnic minority backgrounds were less likely to enroll in and had less access to STEM courses.

Bridging the Digital Divide

 The digital divide is making it challenging for individuals and entrepreneurs from historically disadvantaged backgrounds to utilize technology to achieve their goals. The global pandemic highlighted to importance of technology in today’s society, but many individuals in low-income situations are still unable to access the tools they need to thrive. For example, a report by UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge found that black and Hispanic households are 1.4 times as likely as white households to not have access to technology. 

Connecting small business owners and key stakeholders

TechRev York will serve as a STEM hub for York City and the surrounding area, bringing together stakeholders in the tech/STEM industry. Entrepreneurs renting the spaces in the facility will collaborate on projects and provide insight into each other’s work, creating shared knowledge and mutually supportive relationships. Leaders in the project, such as YMCA staff and key volunteers, will coordinate with other STEM leaders in the area, such as tech and robotics businesses to, not only bring their services to the area and TechRev York’s community, but give them resources through TechRev York, including employees, training opportunities, equipment, and YMCA services.

Supporting small business owners and/or place-based efforts in their geographic areas

The digital divide continues to set back individuals from marginalized and historically disadvantaged communities by limiting their access to technology and skills that are becoming increasingly important in today’s society. TechRev York will increase access to these resources and eliminate structural barriers by making its cutting-edge technology and workforce development services accessible to local residents, many of whom come from low-income backgrounds. In addition, YMCA of the Roses’ leadership will leverage its connections to community decision makers to expose them to the STEM-related needs of the community and advocate for policies that make programs like TechRev York possible on a large scale. 

Target Population – Individuals, youths, and families in York City, PA

York City is a city located in York County, PA that has seen more than its fair share of struggles. Startling statistics about the income of its residents, a loss of traditional manufacturing jobs, and several high-profile harmful events have led to the city struggling to fulfill the needs of its diverse residents.

Demographics

• Total population – 44,800
• Ethnicities
  • White – 36.7%
  • Black – 26.3%
  • Hispanic – 32.9%
  • Other – 4.1%
• Median household income - $36,320 ($63,627 for Pennsylvania)
• Poverty rate – 27.7% (10.9 for Pennsylvania)
• D+ and ranked in bottom 10% of all Pennsylvania school districts by niche.com

Notable Events

• 1969 Race Riots and KK rallies that occurred throughout the 20th century that have created racial tensions that persist to this day
• In the 21st century, many local manufacturing businesses, such as Harley-Davidson, Johnson Controls, DENTSPLY, have relocated many of their operations, leaving local residents without quality jobs

How TechRev York will Impact Residents of York City

Individuals from ethnic minorities and low-income households historically have less access to tech and opportunities in the STEM industry. TechRev York will work with community partners, leadership’s connections, and stakeholders in the greater YMCA’s programming to identify the specific needs of these residents and connect with their communities so that they can experience the educational and workforce development opportunities offered at TechRev York

Pennsylvania

YMCA Mission Statement - It is the mission of the YMCA of the Roses to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We exist to develop and practice the principles of faith, hope, love, honesty, respect and responsibility.

TechRev York’s overarching goal is to both help launch and maintain small businesses.

Connections and support from TechRev York’s key partners and leadership will work with local entrepreneurs to launch their small businesses, which will be able to utilize the technology available in the facility.

Once they are launched, the small businesses can continue to work with the team at TechRev York to sustain their operations and expand to meet the increased demand being placed upon the STEM industry.

Activities

Workforce Development
- On-site training with community partners
- Access to YMCA programs and services for potential employees and employers
- Networking with local leaders in STEM to build York’s technology ecosystem

Youth Development
- Guidance and instruction from professional STEM/Tech instructors
- Exposure of youths in other YMCA programs to services and resources
- Networking with local leaders in STEM 

STEM Ecosystem Development
- Low-cost rentals of coworking spaces and tech equipment in TechRev York
- Long- and short-term rentals of offices and lab spaces in TechRev York
- Access to support and networks of other tenants and TechRev York partners

Outputs

Workforce Development
- 72 York residents will secure new jobs in the tech/STEM
- 2 businesses will expand or start operations in the York area

Youth Development
- 72 high school students will complete a fall STEM/Tech training program
- 40 children will enroll in a summer camp with the York Cultural Alliance
- 60 YMCA campers will participate in a special tech/STEM focused summer camp

STEM Ecosystem Development
- 26 adults will rent labs and offices in TechRev York
- 30 local entrepreneurs will rent coworking space in the facility
- 3 community partners will offer services individuals and businesses using the facility

Short Term Outcomes

Workforce Development
- Local residents participating in formal workforce development programs at TechRev York will secure jobs with local STEM employers

Youth Development
- Youths enrolled in programs at TechRev York will report increased interest and proficiency in the STEM fields

STEM Ecosystem Development
- TechRev York will serve as a hub for youths, individuals, and families looking to gain access to or advance their involvement with the STEM industry

Long Term Outcomes

Workforce Development
- Residents of York City’s average income and quality of life will increase due to higher salaries

Youth Development
- High school students in York City will experience a higher graduation rate

STEM Ecosystem Development
- Individuals and businesses from York City and the surrounding area will recognize TechRev York as the local leader in STEM

Current number of people we're serving - 100

Number of people wi'll be serving in one year - 300

Number of people we'll be serving in five years - 1,000

Community - York City, PA

Key Decision Makers - Local politicians, business owners/corporations, philanthropists, nonprofits, and neighborhood leaders

- Specific examples include the mayor/city council, the Powdermill Foundation, Brougher Foundation, YMCA, Logos Academy, York Exponential, and heads of local neighborhood associations/churches

Influencers of Organizational Strategy - YMCA board of directors, YMCA senior leadership team, STEM/robotics companies, commnity members, and program recipients

- Specific examples include the YMCA's President/CEO, current and past board chairs, RG Group, and leaders at William Penn High School

Understanding Place in York City

York City’s troubled past and current employment landscape require TechRev York’s leadership team to collaborate closely with local residents and businesses in the rising STEM field. Racial tensions that continue as a result of economic disparities and past traumatic events have made it difficult for large institutions, such as the YMCA and major businesses, to establish long-term trusting relationships with residents from ethnic minorities. Therefore, YMCA and TechRev York leadership is working closely with grassroots community leaders, such as heads of churches and community groups, to build trust and receive feedback so that TechRev York’s programs align with their needs. In addition, businesses in the STEM industry are offering insight into the needs of employers so that TechRev York can offer services that build the local employee base and replace jobs lost by the outsourcing of traditional employers in the area.

Proximate Leadership

Jose Santiago, the program lead, is a long-time resident of York City and knows almost all of the major players and groups in the community. His work with the YMCA and volunteer efforts with the Housing Authority and local Hispanic coalition have allowed him to build rapport with a diverse group of individuals in the area, which will allow him to learn their unique needs. He is also Puerto Rican and has extensive knowledge of the STEM industry through previous manufacturing jobs, two experiences which will allow him to identify both with the people enrolled in TechRev York’s programs and the partnering businesses.

Building Trust with the Community

The YMCA of the Roses has a long history of collaboration with the local community through its various charitable programs. Youth development programs, wellness services, community outreach to marginalized groups, housing initiatives, and services for individuals of all ages have positioned the YMCA as a leader in the area so that its team can reach out and engage community members in all aspects of TechRev York’s work.

Building Trust among Small Business Owners

The team at TechRev York and the YMCA of the Roses are building trust with small business owners through connections with volunteer leadership and program partners. YMCA board members, partnering organizations, and TechRev York volunteer leadership have been networking with local entrepreneurs in other coworking spaces, at community events, and through personal outreach to invite them to join in the TechRev York program through their main services. 

Goals for next year

The goal of TechRev York for the next year is kickoff services related to its 3 main service areas

Workforce Development

Youth Development

STEM Ecosystem Development

These services areas could potentially serve up to 300 individuals in the next year through the following breakdown

26 adults through rentals of the facility’s labs/offices

30 local entrepreneurs who rent the coworking space

72 high school students through a fall STEM/Tech training program

40 children through a summer camp with the York Cultural Alliance

60 YMCA campers through a special tech/STEM focused summer camp

72 York residents who will secure new jobs in the tech/STEM field through TechRev York’s Workforce Development services

Goals for the next five years

The goals for TechRev York over the next five years is to continue to expand the offerings for its main service areas while adapting its equipment and programs to meet the new and emerging needs of the STEM industry.

This goal will be achieved through the following steps

Increasing program enrollment through ongoing outreach to community groups

Networking with leaders in the STEM industry to identify new needs that can be met by TechRev York

Fundraising from community stakeholders to purchase equipment and resources to keep TechRev York’s offerings current

YMCA board of directors – The YMCA’s board of directors has strong connections with many of the key decision makers in the area so they will be able to expose these individuals to the work happening at TechRev York, leading to increased buy in and support from the community

YMCA senior leadership – The YMCA’s senior leadership team is responsible for leading the service delivery, marketing, fundraising, and administration of all of the YMCA of the Roses’ operations and programs so they are prepared and able to coordinate activities in TechRev York while working with the diverse individuals already being served through the YMCA’s current programs

TechRev York volunteers – Volunteers from local STEM organizations, community groups, and school systems will offer insight into the needs of program recipients, ensuring that the programs meet the needs of all invovled

Program lead – Jose Santiago - Jose Santiago, the program lead, is a long-time resident of York City and knows almost all of the major players and groups in the community. His work with the YMCA and volunteer efforts with the Housing Authority and local Hispanic coalition have allowed him to build rapport with a diverse group of individuals in the area, which will allow him to learn their unique needs. He is also Puerto Rican and has extensive knowledge of the STEM industry through previous manufacturing jobs, two experiences which will allow him to identify both with the people enrolled in TechRev York’s programs and the partnering businesses.

In addition to funding, we are applying for this award to get connected with MIT Solve and the Truist Foundation to obtain an in-depth analysis of TechRev York's offerings and impact so that we can ensure we are serving our community as effectively as possible.

We also hope to expose as many people as possible to this work so that TechRev York can serve as a model for other organizations hoping to diversify the STEM field and empower individuals, youths, and families from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

We need assistance spreading the word about TechRev York to attract additional partners and participants to the services at the facility. Knowledge of tracking and reporting long-term outcomes would allow the YMCA to highlight the project's impact while connections with industry stakeholders would enable the YMCA's team to network with appropriate organizations to learn current and emerging needs.

Tech serivce providers - Knowledge of STEM/tech industry needs and necessary services TechRev York could provide

Program analysts - Resources to track and report on long-term outcomes of TechRev York's services

Employment/HR agencies - Tools and connections to reach, hire, or train individuals for STEM-related positions