Empowering youth zones through technology:

At inTEC, we believe in the power of technology to drive meaningful change, and nowhere was this more evident than during our recent visit to Warrington Youth Zone. Our Director of Modern Workplace, Mark Armstrong, was honored to be among a select group of Microsoft Partners invited by Chris Lines, Microsoft’s Territory Channel Manager in Tech for Social Impact. The visit was an opportunity to learn about the inspiring work being done at Warrington and gain insight into the soon-to-be-completed Crewe Youth Zone (The Dome), set to open in March 2026.

Understanding the impact of youth zones

The visit provided a deep dive into four key operational areas: Fundraising, Employability, Digital, and Operations. Each of these areas plays a crucial role in ensuring that Youth Zones continue to provide invaluable support to young people. The aim was to understand their current workflows and challenges while exploring how AI-driven solutions could help streamline their efforts, improve efficiency, and ultimately enhance their impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Mark Armstrong shared two key takeaways:

“The first thing that stood out was the incredible work being done by Warrington and other Youth Zones in the Onside group. It was truly inspirational to learn about the positive impact these organizations have on

 young people. It made me wonder why they even need to fundraise—government support should be a given for initiatives like this!”

“The second was the incredible potential of IT partnerships in such organisations. Warrington already has a strong IT infrastructure, but with the rapid pace of technological advancement, there is significant room to enhance these systems. By automating processes, reducing inefficiencies, and optimising fundraising efforts, technology can act as a true enabler rather than a barrier.”

The role of AI in enhancing non-profit operations

Technology, and AI in particular, has the potential to revolutionise the way non-profits operate. From automating administrative tasks to optimizing donor outreach and engagement, AI can help these organizations work smarter, not harder. By integrating intelligent solutions, Youth Zones can focus more on what truly matters helping young people thrive.

At inTEC, we are excited about the potential to collaborate with these inspiring organizations. Our goal is to leverage our expertise to ensure that technology serves as a facilitator, not a time drain, allowing Youth Zones to maximise their impact.

Looking ahead

As Crewe Youth Zone (The Dome) prepares for its launch, there is a fantastic opportunity to embed cutting-edge technology from the outset. We look forward to further discussions on how inTEC can support these efforts and help these essential organisations continue their mission of empowering young people in their communities.