On Friday, October 24, 2014, EYA employees gathered for their annual Day of Service in Washington, DC. This year's recipient of giving was Byte Back, a DC-based non-profit which provides computer training and employment readiness classes to low-income individuals.
The EYA Foundation contributed nearly $50,000 in building improvements to Byte Back's corporate headquarters and training facility in the Brookland neighborhood of the District. Their building was constructed in 1927. Renovations included a new roof, new kitchen, window repairs, door replacements, painting, cleaning and other improvements. Several of EYA's consultant partners participated in the event, including Grafik Marketing & Communications, ColorNet Printing, TNT Services Group, Southland Insulators, ABW Appliances, Augustine Plumbing, North Atlantic Framing, CCM Capital Components & Millwork, Signature Companies, Summit Roofing and Eastern Applicators, Inc.
Volunteers also held mock interviews and a mentoring session for Byte Back students. Candidates picked up interview tips, resume critique and a $50 gift card to assist in purchasing career attire.
Byte Back has been widely recognized as one of DC's best non-profits. Their impact is immeasurable and ranges from helping older immigrants learn how to skype with family, teaching general computer literacy skills such as applying for a job online, and providing high demand computer certificate training such as A+ and IC3. Byte Back students can earn up to $75,000 per year with training and certification and obtain jobs with employers such as Booz Allen Hamilton and the IRS.
Byte Back's mission of enabling the District's workforce is aligned with the goals of the EYA Foundation. Established in 2012, the Foundation receives a percentage of profits from EYA and deploys those funds in low-income neighborhoods throughout the Washington Metropolitan area.