About TechLink New Hampshire

In January 2001, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation created a New Hampshire technology task force to research the digital divide. Based on their research, the task force helped create TechLink New Hampshire. Later that year, TechLink NH was awarded 14 AmeriCorps*VISTA positions. Each TechLink NH VISTA was assigned to run a Technology Access Point in the Lakes Region, White Mountains, or Great North Woods regions of New Hampshire.

Technology in NH

New Hampshire’s small population and lack of telecommunications infrastructure tends to discourage technology companies from settling in the northern half of the state. This geographical problem keeps residents from being able to access affordable technology resources. Many individuals are unable to afford hardware and at-home Internet access, and those who are able to purchase a computer usually need considerable, often expensive, training.

TAPs as Solution

To increase free public access to computers and technology information, twelve centers have been designated as Technology Access Points (TAPs.) These centers are located in the heart of local communities and provide free public Internet access at least twenty hours per week. Each TAP also has one AmeriCorps*VISTA member who is available to give one-on-one assistance to technology users.

Funding/Support:

TechLink NH is a program of The Wentworth Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO). Administrative support and fiscal management is provided by WEDCO staff. TechLink NH has been awarded grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service, Verizon, The Lakes Region Charitable Foundation and the Northern New Hampshire Foundation.

Additional TechLink NH Goals

TechLink NH seeks to enhance affordable technology training and resources available to local non-profits by partnering with organizations offering training in Northern NH. A series of IT seminars for non-profits, co-sponsored by E-cares, are being presented throughout the region in partnership with Tech Foundation. TechLink NH has sponsored donation days for local non-profits to receive refurbished computers. An IT resource directory will be made available to all libraries and non-profits to encourage collaborative buying and resource sharing.

For more information on TechLink NH, contact:

Veronica Francis, Program Director
TechLink NH Headquarters
241 Main St.
Littleton, NH 03561
603-616-6633
603-444-0700
veronica@TechLinkNH.org