Opening Doors to Tech Careers in North Texas
We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit program delivering free, hands-on technical education to underserved young adults in North Texas.
Hearts and Hardware empowers underserved young adults in poverty-prone areas of North Texas through supportive, tuition-free technical vocational training. By mastering enterprise hardware diagnostics, network engineering, and corporate readiness, our students bridge the digital opportunity divide, earn industry certifications, and are primed to secure entry-level tech careers.
Why We Exist
Well-paying IT careers in data centers, networking, and infrastructure are growing across the Dallas–Fort Worth region, yet many talented young adults never get access to the training, equipment, or certifications employers require. Cost, transportation, and a lack of professional networks keep them out.
Hearts and Hardware removes those barriers. Students learn on real enterprise hardware, receive fully sponsored certification exams, and are coached by working industry professionals — all at no cost to them. Classes are intentionally small so every student gets individual attention from day one through job placement.
Nonprofit Status & Transparency
Hearts and Hardware is a 100% tuition-free workforce-development program operated by Hearts and Hands of Maryland INC, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN: 87-4159741).
- Legal Entity Name
- Hearts and Hands of Maryland INC
- Program Name
- Hearts and Hardware
- EIN
- 87-4159741
- Tax-Exempt Status
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Hearts and Hands of Maryland INC is authorized to conduct business in Texas as a Foreign Non-Profit Entity, and Hearts and Hardware is its Arlington, Texas initiative. Learn more about our parent organization at Hearts and Hands of Maryland INC.
Our Impact Model
Every element of the program is designed to move a student from curiosity to a certified, employable technician.
Career-Ready Graduates
Students leave with industry certifications, a professional resume, mock-interview practice, and connections to local enterprise employers.
Sustainable Hardware
Decommissioned enterprise equipment is restored as lab material, keeping technology out of the waste stream while teaching real-world skills.
Stronger Communities
By opening tech careers to young adults in poverty-prone areas, we help close the digital opportunity divide across North Texas.
Leadership Team
Program leadership with decades of experience in education, grants, and community engagement.
Tracey Keyser
20+ years of regional community outreach and state-level grant management experience.
Ivory James
Dual Master's in Education; specializes in adaptive instructional design and KPI metrics.
Where We Operate
We use premier civic spaces in Arlington, Texas to maximize resources for students.
George W. Hawkes Downtown Library
Operational & Lab Headquarters
100 S Center St, Arlington, TX 76010Labs are held in the library's high-tech reBrary rooms, equipped with enterprise connectivity, interactive displays, and diagnostic bench space.
Confirmed Community Partners
Hearts and Hardware is delivered in active partnership with local organizations in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
George W. Hawkes Downtown Library
Our host facility in downtown Arlington. Cohort labs are held in the library's reBrary rooms at 100 S Center St, Arlington, TX 76010.
Compudopt Dallas
A digital-equity partner supplying refurbished hardware that students diagnose, restore, and learn on throughout the program.
Get Involved
Whether you are a future technician, a donor, or an industry professional, there is a place for you at Hearts and Hardware.
Join the January 2027 Cohort
Applications are due November 30, 2026, and classes begin January 2027 at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library. No prior IT experience required.
Apply for CohortFund a Student's Future
Your tax-deductible gift covers certification exam vouchers, lab hardware, and career coaching for students at zero cost to them.
Donate / Support UsShare Your Expertise
IT, data center, telecom, and engineering professionals can volunteer as lab mentors, guest speakers, or mock interviewers.
Become a Mentor