About Mattapan Tech

About Mattapan Tech

Mattapan Tech, officially known as Mattapan/Greater Boston Technology Learning Center, Inc., is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to workforce development. Recognized as a Massachusetts Eligible Training Provider by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Mattapan Tech has obtained an exemption under G.L.c.112, 263(c)(x) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure.

Mattapan Tech Mission

Our mission is to empower individuals and foster self-sufficiency through job training, career development, and leadership initiatives.

Mattapan Tech Goals

• Provide Accessible IT Training: Offer short-term, certificate-based IT training programs that are affordable or free, ensuring accessibility for individuals from all economic backgrounds.
• Assist 600 Individuals Annually: Enroll and educate at least 600 students each year, accommodating 200 students per session in programs lasting no longer than four months.
• Enhance Technical Proficiency: Equip students with in-demand technical skills through hands-on training and real-world experience in a workplace setting.
• Achieve High Certification Success Rates: Maintain a high pass rate (e.g., 95%) for students taking industry-recognized certification exams such as CompTIA A+, Network+, and Microsoft Office.
• Provide Comprehensive Job Placement Assistance: Offer robust job placement services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and connections with potential employers to help graduates secure employment.
• Support Post-Graduation Career Development: Continue to assist graduates for at least one year after program completion by monitoring job performance and providing resources for career advancement.
• Foster Diversity and Inclusion: Attract and serve a multicultural student body representing various ethnicities and communities across Massachusetts, promoting an inclusive learning environment.
• Strengthen Partnerships: Collaborate with industry leaders, educational institutions, and community organizations to enhance program offerings and create additional opportunities for students.
• Adapt to Emerging Technologies: Regularly update curricula to include training on the latest technological advancements and industry trends to keep students competitive in the job market.
• Develop Soft Skills: Incorporate training on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to ensure students are well-rounded and prepared for workplace dynamics.

Mattapan Tech Partners

To fulfill our objectives, Mattapan Tech collaborates with esteemed partners, including the Massachusetts Executive Offices of Labor & Workforce Development and Education, The City Of Boston, Verizon, CompTIA, Comcast, Cummings Foundation, State Street Foundation, HarborOne Bank, and many others.

Mattapan Tech Coding Programs For Children & Youth

Coding for Children (Ages 8-13)

Our coding program for children introduces students to the fundamentals of programming in an engaging and accessible way. Using beginner-friendly platforms like Scratch, students can create their own interactive stories, animations, and games through a drag-and-drop interface that simplifies coding concepts. This visual approach helps young learners grasp essential ideas like loops, conditionals, variables, and event handling without being overwhelmed by syntax. As students progress, they transition to Python, a powerful yet beginner-friendly programming language used by professionals in many industries. Python’s readability makes it an ideal next step, allowing students to deepen their understanding of coding logic while working on more complex projects. Through these activities, students not only learn how to code but also enhance their creativity by building original projects, sharpen their problem-solving skills by tackling coding challenges, and develop logical thinking as they break down problems into smaller, manageable steps. Our program nurtures a passion for technology and prepares children with foundational skills for future academic and career pursuits in computer science.

Coding For Youth (Ages 14-18)

The CS100 program is designed to equip youth ages 14-18 with a strong foundation in advanced programming languages and technologies, providing them with the skills needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. The program begins with an introduction to HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), the building blocks of web development. Students learn how to structure web pages using HTML and style them with CSS to create visually appealing, user-friendly websites. These skills are essential for any aspiring web developer and are highly relevant in industries that rely on web presence and design. Moving beyond basic web development, the program dives into JavaScript, a versatile and widely-used programming language that adds interactivity and dynamic functionality to websites. Students learn how to create responsive web applications, manipulate data, and enhance user experiences with features like animations, real-time updates, and form validation. JavaScript’s relevance in front-end and back-end development makes it an indispensable skill for any young programmer. The program also introduces students to the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), exploring concepts such as machine learning, neural networks, and data-driven decision-making. By working on AI-driven projects, students gain hands-on experience in an area that is shaping the future of industries like healthcare, finance, entertainment, and more. Understanding AI not only prepares students for cutting-edge careers but also teaches them how technology can be harnessed to solve real-world problems. Through the CS100 program, participants develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity while mastering the skills that are in high demand in today’s job market. By the end of the course, they are prepared to pursue further education in computer science or step into entry-level roles in web development, software engineering, or AI-related fields.

Digital Refurbish Program (All Ages)

This comprehensive program provides students with hands-on experience in troubleshooting, repairing, refurbishing, and upgrading digital devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. By working directly with hardware and software, students develop practical skills in technology and computing that are highly valued in today's job market. They also study operating systems and business applications to enhance their software knowledge and understand how these tools are used in professional environments. The refurbished devices are donated to local families in need, bridging the digital divide and offering valuable resources to the community. Through this initiative, students not only gain technical expertise but also learn the importance of social responsibility and community service.

Mattapan Tech Commitment To Diversity

A Multicultural Student Population

Our student body, composed of individuals from 17 distinct ethnic groups, fosters a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that enriches the educational experience for all. This diversity provides students with the opportunity to engage with peers from different cultural backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, and mutual respect. Each group brings its own unique perspectives and experiences, contributing to a vibrant and enriching classroom atmosphere.

• 26% African-American students form a significant part of our student body, bringing with them a rich cultural heritage and a variety of lived experiences that influence discussions on social justice, history, and community building. Their presence adds depth to conversations about technology’s role in empowering underserved communities.
• 24% Haitian and other Caribbean nationalities—including individuals from Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad, and other islands—add another layer of cultural richness. The Caribbean community is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, and many of these students are passionate about using technology to drive economic growth and social change in their communities both locally and abroad. Their inclusion in our student body ensures that perspectives from this diverse region are well represented. (Barbadian, Jamaican, Trinidadian)
• 28% Hispanic students, from various Latin American countries, further enhance the diversity of thought and experience in our programs. Many of these students are bilingual, which not only opens doors for global collaboration but also helps shape the discussion around the use of technology to bridge language and cultural barriers. Their presence introduces important conversations about immigration, equity, and the role of technology in advancing educational and professional opportunities for Hispanic communities.
• 5% Asian students—hailing from countries like China, Vietnam, and Cambodia—bring a focus on innovation, technology, and a global perspective on learning. These students often bring with them high expectations for academic achievement and a strong commitment to using education as a tool for personal and community advancement. Their participation strengthens the global outlook of our programs and encourages all students to think beyond local solutions to tackle worldwide challenges. (Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, etc.)
• 17% Finally, 17% of students from other backgrounds represent a variety of ethnicities and experiences that make our learning environment truly inclusive. These students may come from mixed-heritage families, newly arrived immigrant backgrounds, or other underrepresented groups, contributing diverse perspectives on social issues, technology, and innovation.

Geographical Reach

Mattapan Tech is headquartered in Boston, with the majority of our students residing in the neighborhoods of Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, and Hyde Park. While we primarily focus on serving youth from these local communities, our reputation for delivering cutting-edge technology training has attracted interest from families and students in surrounding cities and towns throughout Massachusetts. As a result, we are increasingly serving participants from areas beyond Boston, ensuring that young people across the state have access to the high-quality tech education and job training that Mattapan Tech offers. Our programs equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive tech landscape, regardless of where they live.

Fostering an Inclusive Learning Environment

At Mattapan Tech, we believe that diversity is our strength, and we are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. We tailor our curriculum to meet the varied learning needs of our diverse student population, ensuring that each individual feels supported and valued. Through flexible teaching methods, personalized instruction, and culturally responsive practices, we foster a sense of belonging in all of our classrooms and events. Our programs encourage collaboration, mutual respect, and the exchange of ideas, empowering students from all backgrounds to reach their full potential and contribute to their communities. Inclusivity isn’t just a goal, it’s at the heart of everything we do.