job readiness assistance

Compuer Skills Training and Curriculum Development

Organization: 
Fenway CDC Boston
VISTA Name: 
Rob Hall
Program Start: 
11/2001
Program End: 
11/2002
Project Description: 

Rob, as the lead instructor for the NETT Network Associates program, is now graduating ten first Cycle I students on October 21, 2002 and preparing to start Cycle 2 on October 28, 2002 with 12 students. The Fenway NETT Network Associates program is based on the Cisco Certified Network Associates program. The program incorporates training in network administration, software and hardware troubleshooting, customer service, communication skills, job readiness skills, problem-solving/critical thinking, research skills and other “soft skills” needed for success in the information technology sector.tor.

Project Outcome: 

Rob continued teaching the first half of the NETT Network Associate program. This included 3 to 4 hours in the classroom daily, which was extended somewhat, as the class, approached the Semester 1st and 2nd semester finals. During this period Rob conceived of integrating the in-class instruction with a real world network installation. This was done at the Fenway After-School Program, a program run by the YMCA in a Fenway CDC owned building. The students consulted with the YMCA, reconditioned PC’s, and installed an Ethernet network.

Impact Quote: 

We remain fortunate to have the services of Rob Hall, 2001 graduate from the Rochester Institute of Technology to serve a one-year VISTA term. Rob’s dedication, expertise and helpful personality have allowed the CDC launch and completion of the first cycle of an innovative and demanding program preparing low and moderate income urban adults for careers in networking administration and information technology.

Byte Back

Location:
Washington, DC

Byte Back’s mission is to improve economic opportunity for low-income residents of the Washington DC area by providing computer training and employment readiness skills.

The goals of Byte Back are to:

Provide high-quality computer courses to unemployed and underemployed residents of Washington, D.C. and the surrounding communities.
Supply job readiness assistance including preparing for job interviews, developing resume writing skills and assistance with job search.
Assist unemployed and underemployed residents in obtaining employment that pays a living wage.
Offer deeply meaningful volunteer opportunities to professionals, employees in the technology industry and program alumni.

Transmission Project