What is ByteWORKS?
ByteWORKS is an organization dedicated to advancing computer literacy to primarily at-risk, low-income children between the ages of 9 and 15 years old. The children participate in a series of six classes and are introduced to a range of topics such as word processing and Internet safety, among others. See our Programs page for more info. Funding for the program comes from donations and grants.
Upon successful completion of the six-week course, the student (or household), takes home one computer and monitor plus necessary accessories. We call this course our Earn-A-Computer program. The classes are held at the ByteWORKS' shop at 4100 Shenandoah and are conducted by volunteers. The computers are used computers donated by companies and individuals in the St. Louis area.
We are an all volunteer organization. Our dedicated volunteers are responsible for refurbishing computers, marketing our programs, teaching classes, administration, paperwork, IT infrastructure, and the list goes on. Whatever needs to be done is done by a volunteer.
ByteWORKS encourages the youth to remain involved with the organization after a computer has been earned. There are opportunities to earn upgraded equipment, advance within the program, and obtain leadership roles.
If you are interested in making a donation to this very worthy cause, please visit the Donate page for further information.
Top of PageByteWORKS History
ByteWORKS is the daughter organization of BWORKS and the sister organization to BicycleWORKS. BicycleWORKS was founded in 1988 by a Shaw Neighborhood resident who saw the need to provide area youth the opportunity to develop a skill and to challenge them to test the limits of their abilities. This vision combined with the universal appeal of the bicycle became the building block of this innovative organization.
BicycleWORKS is the first St. Louis program to use the bicycle as a vehicle to teach youth responsibility and good work habits. Its programs are structured and work-intensive. BicycleWORKS combines vocational training with educational enrichment and challenging physical and mental activity.
In 1996, the ByteWORKS program was added under the BWORKS umbrella. It's Earn-A-Computer classes parallel the Earn-A-Bike classes of BicycleWORKS. The Earn-A-Computer classes were incorporated into the BWORKS curriculum at the request of youth who wanted an additional challenge and opportunity.
Top of PageLast update: 2007/11/10
