TECH CORPS history

Tip Kilby, founder of Computers for Classrooms, Inc., and Dan O'Hara, founder of Community OnRamp, Inc. held an organizational meeting on October 16, 1996 for people and companies interested in forming a Tech Corps chapter in Georgia.

The "Developmental Charter" was signed and submitted in January, 1997.

The cadet regiment expanded to a three-battalion structure in 1998.

With seed funding from Battelle, JPMorgan Chase and The Columbus Foundation, TECH CORPS launched programs in Ohio in 1999.

Beginning in 2000, one cadet served as regimental commander in the fall and a different cadet served in the spring, a move by the commandant’s office to give more cadets an opportunity to gain leadership experience.

Beginning with the class of 2004, the current cadet training system was implemented.

The first African-American woman to serve in the position was Christina Royal, who was regimental commander in fall 2005.

The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Color Guard on display at the opening game for the 2007 Virginia Tech Hokies football team

Up until the Fall of 2008, all senior cadets were granted the rank of Cadet 2nd Lieutenant regardless of whether they had a billet, unless they had shown substandard performance.

TECH CORPS celebrates Women’s History Month by recognizing JPMorgan Chase volunteer Suzanne Diehl who has been serving with TECH CORPS since 2011.When you volunteer with TECH CORPS, you have the opportunity to show kids how much you care.