City Student TECH CORPS
Frequently Asked Questions:

What determines my eligibility for this program?
1. Student must live in Franklin County.
2. Student must be between 14 – 18 years of age at time of registration.
3. Student must be TANF eligible or a member of a family that is TANF eligible.

What is TANF?
TANF or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families also OWF or Ohio Works First is any type of assistance or benefits received from the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services.

How do I verify my TANF Eligibility?
The easiest way to prove your TANF eligibility for this program is to bring a copy of the letter from your school district that states you are eligible for Free/Reduced lunch. If you have not received the letter from your school district – you can request a copy from your school office. Applications for eligibility are NOT an acceptable form of proof.

You can also verify your TANF Eligibility if you receive or are a member of a family that receives Ohio Works First (OWF) cash payments. To verify bring copies of at least one of the following:
o OWF – Proof of Income (can request from the case manager)
o Benefits award letter or copy of OWF check
o Copy of work/training/education schedule
§ This individual needs to have eligibility determined based upon household income
o Paycheck stubs from last 30 days (four weeks)
o Letter from employer on letterhead or statement with company stamp detailing the customer’s gross income for the last 30 days
o Child Support Court Order — printout from child support or pay slips
o Benefits award letter or copy of check
o Self-employed – copy of last income tax statement divided by 12 to calculate the last 30 days of income. If recently self-employed and has not filed taxes, then use official records or bookkeeper’s name and phone number.
o Rental Income (statement from tenant or lease agreement)
o Zero Income—attach a statement from applicant documenting other mean of support including name, address, and phone number of the individual providing support to the family.

What will students learn and experience in the City Student TECH CORPS program?
City Student TECH CORPS is an innovative program developed by TECH CORPS Ohio and the City of Columbus, Mayor’s Office of Education. This program provides 100 students with 32 weeks of computer and employment soft skills training. Tech-savvy instructors work in an informal education environment using the Student TECH CORPS® curriculum (www.studenttechcorps.org) to prepare students for Level I Technical Support Certification and to build their knowledge of Information Technology educational and career pathways. Students who successfully complete the program are assigned a 10-week paid summer internship where they can apply their newly acquired skills in a real-world setting; making the training authentic.

Other components of the program include: team-building and leadership skills; professional image consulting; financial management workshop; college and financial aid information; professional presentation skills; career exploration activities and an opportunity to participate in the TECH CORPS Ohio/NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) Jr. Chapter.

What is expected of City Student TECH CORPS students?
City Student TECH CORPS students are held to a high standard and we have adopted a policy of “zero tolerance” for violent, disruptive and inappropriate behavior. This program is an OPPORTUNITY, not a requirement – a PRIVILEGE, not a handout. We are working to prepare and train these students for employment and experiences in some of Columbus’ most well-known and respect companies. At the very least, City Student TECH CORPS students are expected to:
- Arrive on time and stay through the completion of class.
- Maintain a positive and respectful attitude toward the staff and their peers.
- Come ready to learn and be engaged in the program.
- Attend 90% of the program (Student can have more than three (3) excused or unexcused absences from the program. Any missed days after that will result in expulsion from the program.

Why are students removed from the program if they have more than three (3) excused absences?
The funder for this program REQUIRES that students attend miss no more than 3 days of class. If students do not attend at least 90% of the program, they will NOT receive the $250 completion bonus and they will NOT be eligible for summer employment.

Who are some of the employers that have hosted City Student TECH CORPS students?
AARP, Children’s Hospital, City of Columbus: Department of Technology, Columbus Division of Fire, Columbus Public Schools, Franklin County Treasurer’s Office, HAZ Technologies, Ohio Historical Society, The Ohio House of Representatives, The Ohio State University, Sophisticated Systems, Inc., and the Wexner Center.

What if I am not TANF Eligible?
You can not participate in City Student TECH CORPS but you should contact TECH CORPS Ohio. There may be other programs they offer that may not require TANF eligibility for participation.

City Student TECH CORPS Collaborative Partners:
The City of Columbus Mayor’s Office of Education is an initiative of Mayor Michael B. Coleman. The purpose of the Office of Education is to improve the quality of life in Columbus by:
- Extending and enhancing both educational and developmental opportunities for all citizens of Columbus
- Implementing community-based solutions to support educating children at school to make significant gains in educational achievement

TECH CORPS Ohio is a nonprofit organization that strives for a technologically literate society in which all K-12 students have equal access to the technology programs, resources and skills that will enrich their education and allow them to compete successfully in the global workforce. Student TECH CORPS is a TECH CORPS® National program that delivers core technology training and certification and is designed specifically for middle and high school students. TECH CORPS Ohio works with schools, organizations around the state. For more information about TECH CORPS Ohio go to www.techcorpsohio.org.

Funding for City Student TECH CORPS is from Franklin County Board of Commissioners and administered by the FCDJFS