HYDE PARK — South Side nonprofits will have access to free software and tablet computers through a new partnership between Microsoft and the University of Chicago.
On Thursday, Microsoft announced a new partnership with the University of Chicago’s Community Programs Accelerator, which provides South Side nonprofits with free training and access to student interns and researchers from the university.
But there’s a catch.
“It’s harder to get into the CPA than the University of Chicago,” said Derek Douglas, vice president for civic engagement at the university.
Since starting in the spring of 2014, there has been vastly more demand for the program than the university expected.
The university has received more than 100 applications for the five spots in the accelerator, where nonprofits get access to office space, conference rooms and now lots of tech from Microsoft.
That has been really alluring to people like Demond Drummer, founder of Coderspace, who needed space to train high school students on how to build websites for their clients in the neighborhood.
“In this space, I’m able to tap the tremendous resources of the University of Chicago,” Drummer said. “Coderspace is going to use every resource offered through the alliance” with Microsoft.
Raamel Mitchell, director of public affairs and citizenship for Microsoft, said the nonprofits will also have access to grant money from the company.
"We want to see what innovations come out of this," Mitchell said.
The university has already expanded the program to add slots for 12 “associates,” who get access to training, but no office space to work in.
Shaz Rasul, director of community programs for the university, said the nonprofits that participate have benefited from linking up with other organizations doing similar work.
“There is a tremendous amount of talent on the mid-South Side, all we need to do is connect the dots,” Rasul said.
Nonprofits interested in participating, can apply online on the university’s website.
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