A Shared Reward: Phil's Connection with ITWorks Brings A Personal Joy

Phil Newmoyer’s history with Tech Impact started before Tech Impact even existed – 

Formally known as NPower PA back in the early 2000s, it wasn’t until 2009 that the nonprofit rebranded to the Tech Impact we know today. Phil became familiar with the organization through a prior CIO and mentor who would volunteer with nonprofits Tech Impact supported. After becoming a CIO a few years later, he joined the National Advisory Board to help support Tech Impact’s efforts of building up their (at the time) new IT training program, ITWorks. A travel-heavy job position made doing hands-on volunteering difficult, but generating ideas and providing support was something he could commit to for this program that was very close to his heart.

Over the years as his travel schedule eased, Phil began dedicating more of his time to ITWorks cohorts, serving as mentor and joining students in the classroom to host Friday sessions. “I love connecting with the students and sharing my career path and my life journey. When they realize that I came from a background that might be more similar to theirs than they realize, that’s where a lot of the connections begin”. 

Phil’s story –being raised by a single mother with four children, growing up low income and working multiple jobs to help his family make ends meet, and no clear path to college and stability – is just as impactful to students as the tech training and certifications they receive in ITWorks. This inspirational story, how Phil became so motivated by wanting to change his and his family’s situation that he worked himself through college, took advantage of every opportunity available to him and pushed through every barrier and feeling of despair, has become a cornerstone of Phil’s involvement with the program. “For a young person not to feel hope and purpose is a tragedy. The opportunity that education and learning bring is everything to these students. If I can help someone feel supported and provide encouragement, it’s the best reward.” 

Now, Phil’s excitement on the powerful impact of a program like ITWorks can bring to young adults in his own community and his own profession is only growing. He recently became Chair of Tech Impact’s National Advisory Board and leads a group of more than two dozen industry professionals around the country that support the programs continued growth and support services. In 2024, he was honored with the Volunteer Impact Award at the organization’s annual Celebration of Impact Luncheon. 

As for being a mentor, Phil’s alumni network of mentees continues to grow. He ensures he is involved in every cohort and has a change to talk with every student during his visits to the classroom. “I’m known for writing inspirational quotes and fun notes on a whiteboard when I come to the classroom. My favorite is when I simply write ‘Watch Me’. I want to light a fire in these students and inspire them. Many of them tell me they are discouraged by others saying a tech career is a goal too far to reach. I say this…no matter what life throws at you or what people might say, use it as extra wood on the fire. When someone says you can’t, simply reply, ‘watch me’. That’s what I used to succeed, and I want to arm them with that same internal drive and passion that is effective in and out of the career world.”

Phil knows involvement from mentors like him are an integral part of the success of ITWorks, but it isn’t lost on him what he is gaining from this experience as well. “The reward is priceless when you are able to make a difference in someone’s career path, and in turn making a difference in someone’s life. There is nothing like seeing these life-changing success journeys. It truly is a mutually rewarding and inspiring experience."

“I have had conversations with mentees on a late Saturday night because they need someone to talk to. They often have never had anyone that they can really lean on for such an important life and career decision. I always try to maintain relationships with mentees after they graduate. I always tell them I am a friend and mentor for life. There real reward comes in watching their career success.”