Entry-point to computer use & ICT career ladder
For low-income individuals with barriers to learning and employment.

Outcomes

• Self-Paced Training: Convenient community access to state-of-the-art computers, software, self-paced instruction software, manuals and technical support.
• Certification: IC-3 Certification (Microsoft Office Suite) may be possible.
• Training Readiness: Readiness for advanced computer training, basic computer literacy for new jobs and job re-entry.
• Job Readiness: Computer use for general employment, design and music production assistant, design and music production free-lance services.
• Informal learning opportunities: setting outside of formal schooling that includes learning development and education through projects and experience.

Program Structure

• Open use of multiple computers with advanced software and technical staff assistance.
• Workshop enrollment models.
• Project-based learning.
• Self-paced learning model, including e-learning program availability.
• IC-3 Certification (Microsoft Office Suite) may be taken at end of program.
• Job placement assistance.
• Multiple programs to serve multiple audiences.

Program Alternatives

• Open enrollment or drop-in access to program segments.
• Individual program modules that allow clients to learn specific program skills (e.g., working with Excel™ spreadsheets.)
• Targeted programs for community segments: Youth, School/After School, Seniors, Re-entry, Housing Authority residents, Families.
• Spanish-speaking (or other language) technical assistance to explain English curriculum and concepts in the second language.
• Computer lab location at local churches, businesses and CBOs.
• Resources and staff support from local businesses, community colleges and universities
• Pre-packaged programs (Intel Computer Clubhouse.)
• Self-paced instructional software (Amazing eLearning.)

Client Prerequisites

• No prior education/literacy requirements.
• No prior computer experience required.
• Commitment to self-paced learning in a project-based environment.
• Commitment to pursuing future employment opportunities.

CHALLENGES

For clients

• Self-paced learning requires client focus and commitment.
• Technical skill may be required to learn to use computers and software.
• Classroom based learning environment.
• Future employment directions must be identified and pursued with minimal support.

For the organization

• Facility and technical equipment.
• Support necessary to complete projects.
• Maintaining skilled staff – may be hired away to other employment.
• After-hours support for evening classes.
• Job placement and job search support.

RESOURCES LINKS

• Community Technology Centers’ Network
• CTC Startup Manual (Community Technology Centers’ Network.)
• TechSoup.org- technical resources for nonprofits.
• CTC Resources.(TechSoup.org)

ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS

• Minimum open hours: 15 hours/week (5 days/week, 3 hours/day.)
• Infrastructure (for class of 20): 1 classroom, 20 student computers, 1 instructor computer, server/network environment, lab environment.
• Staff: 1 Program Manager (0.25 FTE), 1 Recruiter (0.5 FTE), 1 Career Advisor (0.5 FTE), 1 Director of Training (0.10 FTE); instructor (1.0 FTE.)
• Marketing: outreach at Career Centers, CBO’s, One-Stop Career Centers and other social service agencies; churches, schools; emails, flyers, advertising and word of mouth.

Collaborations

• Corporations.
• Foundations.
• Government local.
• State.
• Community college.
• Other nonprofits.
• Individuals.
• Local business.

Sources of Funding

Contributed

• Corporations.
• Foundations.
• Government.
• Local (City/County.)
• State.
• Individuals

Earning Income

• Fees.
• Other earned income.