Miguel Castaneda

TECHConnect Story

Miguel goes above and beyond the scope of his organization, TECHConnect, because he considers the students to be part of his extended family.

As Director of TECHConnect, Miguel Castaneda, is making a difference in the community
Photo courtesy of Miguel Castañeda

Miguel was lucky. His parents, who worked as farm laborers, had deep love and bright hopes for their son. They showed him there were many paths to take in life, other than joining gangs. Miguel was the first of his family to go to college and break the cycle of poverty. His journey has given him an enormous heart and led him to become a role model for, as well as an auxiliary parent to, many kids.

In 2010, inspired by a similar program in San Francisco, Miguel partnered with CSET (Community Services Employment Training) and Culter-Orosi Unified School District to create TECHConnect, located in Cutler, California. As Director of TECHConnect, Miguel selects 30 passionate students ages 14-18, to participate in his organization’s nine-month program. This program helps them develop computer skills, learn how to repair computers, develop refurbishment skills, and master how electronic recycling works.

In addition to learning about computers, students train to become Certified Tax Preparers with CSET’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). Students are also helped with college preparation plans, taken to visit college campuses and are exposed to a wide range of career opportunities. (Since TECHConnect was founded in 2010, every senior graduating from its programs has gone on to college.)

After they’ve developed skills, Miguel encourages students to take the opportunity to give back to their community. They do this by teaching computer skills classes, preparing taxes for local residents, cleaning graffiti around town and feeding the homeless.
Miguel is himself a passionate volunteer. During nights and weekends, he spends his own time and money to tutor and counsel students and their parents. He created a six-week program called Parenting Wisely, aimed at bringing kids and parents (many who are current gang members) together.

Because he considers the students to be part of his extended family, Miguel goes above and beyond the scope of the TECHConnect. Most of all, he wants young people to learn how to communicate and trust that they too are loved and supported. He hopes that, as he was lucky enough to do, students will leave home better equipped with skills to choose productive options for themselves and their future.

If you would like to support Miguel, please check out his website.