Community organizations play a vital role in strengthening our communities, yet many face growing challenges related to technology, cybersecurity, data protection, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Limited resources often make it difficult to access the expertise needed to address these challenges effectively.
Legal Status
TechStep Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation registered in the State of Maryland (EIN 42-3961198). Our application for federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is on file with the IRS and pending determination; if approved, exemption applies retroactively to our date of incorporation.
At the same time, colleges, universities, and workforce development programs face a growing challenge: preparing learners for careers in a labor market that increasingly demands practical experience alongside academic achievement.
TechStep Foundation exists at the intersection of community need and workforce opportunity.
We serve as an extension of educational institutions by transforming real community technology needs into supervised experiential learning opportunities. Through our workforce development infrastructure, partner institutions can provide students and aspiring professionals with meaningful project experience while strengthening the organizations that serve our communities.
Our model combines mentorship, supervised experiential learning, and community-focused technology projects. Through programs such as the TechStep Clinic, the Stepping Stone workforce platform, and our AI risk assessment initiatives, participants gain real-world experience while helping community organizations strengthen their digital resilience.
Every engagement is supported by experienced industry practitioners, ensuring quality outcomes for community organizations while creating documented, employer-relevant experience for participants.
The result is a model that delivers value across the ecosystem: educational institutions strengthen workforce outcomes, community organizations improve their resilience, and participants gain the practical experience needed to transition successfully into professional careers.
Proudly serving the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, TechStep Foundation is building a scalable framework for workforce development and community impact in the digital age. For the full case to an institution, see For Universities. For the case made directly to a student, see Why Students Need TechStep.