Committed to equity since 1996.

Equity is not just a pillar of our work; it's the foundation on which TAF was built. What began as an after-school program to bring STEM learning to students of color has grown to a partnership model working to transform public education. But our core vision has remained, ensuring ALL students have access to learning that gives them the opportunity to engage, learn, and dream big.

Together we can
 transform re-imagine evolve create a better
public education.

The current public education system was not designed for everyone to succeed and simply does not work.

Technology Access Foundation (TAF)
is a Seattle-based nonprofit leader redefining
K-12 public education throughout Washington State for all students and teachers, particularly those who identify as a person of color and are from traditionally underserved communities.

We partner with public school districts, universities, the community, and corporate partners to improve
learning opportunities and academic achievement for underrepresented students. Likewise, we support emerging teachers and education leaders of color within public education with professional development
and a network of support.

Through the lens of equity and using STEM as a tool for social change,
our 360-degree approach to public education provides an opportunity to undo systemic oppression
and make education a place where everyone wins.

Our History

1996

Co-founders Trish Millines Dziko and Jill Hull Dziko opened TAF’s doors. After a 7-year career in the technology industry, Trish left her role to launch TAF in an effort to ensure students of color had access to the skills needed to compete in the growing technology scene.

2004

After leading programs designed to prepare teenagers for tech-focused summer internships TAF recognized the need to grow beyond after-school programs and built a five-year strategy to reach more students and bring equitable learning directly to their classrooms.

2008

TAF Academy (now TAF@Saghlie) formed, becoming the only public school in Washington State to be co-managed by a nonprofit and a school district.

2014

TAF launched STEMbyTAF School Transformation (now TransformED) program, a partnership model aimed at transforming public schools by bringing its TAF Academy learning model to students everywhere.

2015

The Martinez Fellowship Program joined TAF, supporting its vision of equitable public education by providing and supporting pathways to teaching, early career coaching, and ongoing professional development for teachers of color.

2017

TAF Academy merged with Saghalie Middle School to form TAF@Saghalie.

2020

Seeing a clear gap in representation in public school administration and educators, TAF expanded its professional learning offerings to better support aspiring teachers of color and white ally leaders to create a teacher and administrator demographic that represents the student population.

2022

TAF launched The Convening, a BIPOC centered space designed to give education professionals tangible actions and a support network to make their learning environments anti-racist and liberatory from the ground up.

2025

TAF expands beyond western Washington by partnering with Yakima School District to bring our TransformED model to Stanton Academy.

  • Commitment to Students– TAF is committed to creating better outcomes for students of color so they may create the world they envision personally, locally, nationally and globally.
  • Equitable Practices– TAF fosters environments with structures and systems that are inclusive and ensure all employees have what they need to succeed while pursuing our mission. 
  • Continuous Improvement and Learning– We actively, collectively improve, share knowledge and evolve. 
  • Integrity– Carry out all our work with the greatest responsibility and accountability 
  • Authenticity– TAF operates from a place of being your authentic self with consideration for the good of the whole. 
  • Collaboration– Decisions are not made in silos. All aspects of our work involve collaboration for the good of the whole. 

In order to be the best we can be for our stakeholders and ourselves, our team has committed to the following culture codes: 

  • We are stewards of TAF’s mission. 
  • We work with purpose, passion, integrity and commitment. 
  • We help each other thrive. 
  • Our relationships with partners and community are beyond compare. 
  • We center and elevate student, teacher and family needs and voice.