CTC
Recruitment Resources Consulting
Website:
http://lctc.org/ Location:
Lowell, MA
The RRCTC (Recruitment Resources Community Technology Center) is a multi-service computer educational program administered by Recruitment Resources Consulting. The Center is located at the Flanagan Center, a neighborhood tenant facility through the Lowell Housing Authority. The RRCTC focuses on functional computer skills designed to enhance employment and educational pursuits. We currently offer a five-days per week after-school program that works with kids ages 7-17 on computer skills that will enhance their educational experience. The program works in conjunction with the tutoring program at the Center administered by Casey Family Services and the Boy’s Club. The computer curriculum promotes basic skill acquisition as well as project-based learning in community organization, education and leadership. The program is open to all youth living in the Lowell Housing Authority.
CTC Program Building
Organization:
Bruce Wall Ministries/Prep Community Computer Center VISTA Name:
Margaret Goodwyn
Program Start:
8/2002
Program End:
8/2003
Project Description:
Margaret is developing a system of technical support for our computer center as well as a curriculum for computer certification classes.
Project Outcome:
Margaret has been progressing remarkably well in her VISTA year. She has progressing well in developing a system of technical support for our computer center. Margaret has developed a system where most of our computers are using the same drive image. This allows us to re-image computers in just a few minutes if any problems occur. Margaret has also been repairing computers donated to our computer center and has distributed 50 computers to individuals and organizations through an earn-a-computer program.
Margaret has developed a system where most of our computers are using the same drive image. This allows us to re-image computers in just a few minutes if any problems occur. Margaret has also been repairing computers donated to our computer center and should be distributing between 50-100 computers to individuals and organizations.
Margaret has also developed curriculum for our A+ certification class and tested it with over 15 students last semester. About 5 of her students have returned this semester to volunteer to teach classes. Margaret has also developed curriculum for our Microsoft Certified System Engineer courses. Last semester she developed curriculum for our Windows 2000 Server course, and this semester she developed curriculum for our Windows 2000 Networking course, with about 30 students in total between the two courses.
There have been no major difficulties for Margaret in her VISTA year. After completing her year, we have decided to hire Margaret as staff.
CTC Support
Organization:
Lowell Telecommunications Corporation VISTA Name:
Charlotte Crockford
Program Start:
8/2002
Program End:
8/2003
Project Description:
• Provide supported open access to computer technology to a broad spectrum of the Lowell community (youth, seniors, immigrants)
• Provide training and tutoring to youth, senior citizens, and immigrant populations focussed on project-based, media-oriented uses of technology
• Provide technical support and help build the capacity of host sites to implement technology
• Assist in building, expanding and advocating for community uses of technology within the host site, particular and the larger Lowell community, in general
Project Outcome:
One of the most successful procedures that I implemented was to have all members and staff wear picture ID’s while in the facility. Since I had a little knowledge of digital photography it was easy for me to make the adjustments in our new database.
The second success story for me was to learn Facil database for non-profits and help teach the rest of the staff the functions of the database.This program is really great for the members because they now can reserve things in an orderly fashion and they get the feeling of being a greater part of the whole process. The community as a whole benefits from the installation of Facil.
My other accomplishments include mail server. I learned how to maintain the accounts on the e-mail server service and recently on our new list-server. I am now certified in Field Production. Who would have guessed.
I have managed to put up a web site, sparse as it may be, and to shoot and edit a thirty minute video for airing. The web site sort of took a back seat when I became involved in running a camera on a television show. My interest really peaked when staff members told me that I could do a show of my own. The patience and help of my co-workers enabled me to increase my knowledgeable in non linear editing. And with practice I am sure I’ll become proficient.
CTC Youth Engagement
Organization:
Newland Media Ed Center VISTA Name:
Russell Klein
Program Start:
6/2002
Program End:
6/2003
Project Description:
Goal 1: Reduce the alienation of teens/youth, aged 13-20, living in the developments and engage them in Center activities.
Goal 2: Public and private support.
Project Outcome:
Russell has worked directly with two technology workshops; one for younger children and one for the targeted youth aged 13-20 (7 participants). In the latter, he was directly involved in the recruitment effort and in both programs worked closely with the instructors to enhance their effectiveness.
Russell set up a digital video workstation (donated via MATV) and taught himself the iMovie software, working directly with the youth on the video they produced. He has taught himself a web design program (TrellixWeb) and has been teaching youth in the Center on an ongoing basis. We plan to continue the video course with the first group as well as offer the program to other youth.
Impact Quote:
Russell has engaged with youth in the target population to determine their goals, desires, issues, etc. to aid in planning for future programs. His approachability makes him very accessible to any age group, which has enhanced his ability to engage and retain the interest of a small core in the target age group (youth aged 13-20). While that core remains small (7-15), it is a large step for this organization. We also have a number of youth who are just approaching the target age group, and they are already engaged in activities at the Center, including those that Russell has initiated. We are confident that, rather than lose them as has happened in the past, we will retain them in our programs.
CTC Program Building
Organization:
South End Tech Center @ Tent City VISTA Name:
Shubhada Kambli
Program Start:
8/2002
Program End:
8/2003
Project Description:
As an Americorps VISTA member at the South End Tech Center, Shubhada has worked to set up a fuel cell/sustainable energy education program for area youth.
Project Outcome:
Shubhada has educated herself about fuel cells through attending conferences, online research, and networking with engineers. She has begun to teach her peers and SETC users about fuel cells and is building relationships in the city to support her project.
• MIT and Roxbury Community College to support the program. RCC is buying three fuel cell models for the program.
• Boston Public Schools may introduce fuel cells in the eighth grade science curriculum.
• Nuvera will support program with tours for kids.
• Museum of Science interested in our efforts.
Impact Quote:
Shubhada has done a remarkable job in trying to build a seamless approach to the fuel cell project, starting with her own understanding then reaching out to institutions and working to connect them to each other.
Outreach Coordinator
Organization:
Byte Back VISTA Name:
Shirley Dumas
Program Start:
8/2001
Program End:
8/2003
Project Description:
Byte Back needs VISTA assistance to meet the following goals:
1) Better community service through better information and outreach: VISTA workers will assist us with Community Mapping and community Outreach to determine modifications to services at existing CTC’s and the location of additional CTC’s
2) Definition and documentation of the methods, the curriculum, and the effectiveness of the Byte Back model, the Technology Expert Organization (TEO), so that others may benefit from this success.
3) Establishing a sustainability program so that Byte Back is not reliant on grants for continued existence and service.”
Project Outcome:
While actual canvassing of the local neighborhood was fruitful for relationships in our home neighborhood, networking with other organizations was more effective when we were exploring territory that was new to us. In St Phillip the Evangelist Church in South East we installed a computer lab with their donated computers and are running their computer training program. At Shaw Ministries we provided information that assists them to make cost effective decisions about use of space and purchase of materials. At World Mission Extension Center we provided computers and set up a lab and provided Junior Internship training for their Junior Councilors so that they could assist in camp and after school programs.
CTC Program Building
Organization:
Boat People SOS - Washington, DC VISTA Name:
Kim-Oanh Nguyen
Program Start:
8/2001
Program End:
8/2003
Project Description:
BPSOS’s project ACCESS, Access to Computers for Community Empowerment, Support and Services, hopes to improve English fluency and the acquisition of computer skills in the low-income community. During year one the VISTA member will work on the following tasks:
1. Work with community groups to identify youth needing the service and mobilize their participation in the program.
2. Set up neighborhood-based classes. This involves identification of additional resources to support these classes (such as donated computers, text books, class space, supplies).
3. Teach ESL and computer classes. This will include tailoring existing class materials to the needs of the target population.
4. Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers to serve as instructors and mentors.
5. Encourage parents to take part in the education of their children.
During year 2 the VISTA goals were the following:
Goal 1: Establish new CTC
Goal 2: After-school activities for youth
Goal 3: Community outreach
Goal 4: Community events
Project Outcome:
Kim Oanh has played a strong role in organizing and coordinating community events for BPSOS. She was a tremendous help in the coordination of various workshops that we have held throughout the year, the largest workshop which is a collaboration of 4 different ethnic groups (Vietnamese, Korean, Latinos and Muslims) on domestic violence which had an attendance of 300 people.
Kim-Oanh has coordinated and organized activities for youth at the Moon Festival. For youth and Senior Citizen at the Lunar New Year Festival at Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland. These holidays symbolize the heritage, culture, and life of the Vietnamese people.
She also organized the Carry Day for youths. She invited six speakers, she contact with 100 students and parents came that day.
CTC Implementation and Program Building
Organization:
Boat People SOS - Virginia VISTA Name:
Harold McNaron
Program Start:
8/2002
Program End:
8/2003
Project Description:
I am currently a Community Technology Center (CTC) VISTA working at BPSOS’s national headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. Thus, the primary goal for this year of service is to assist in the management of a Community Technology Center: a centrally-located space providing technological access to community members who would otherwise not have said access.
Goal 1: Set up and operate CTC
Goal 2: Provide computer skills/ English skills to target population.
Goal 3: Assist community groups in setting up CTCs.
Goal 4: Produce a video on BPSOS CTCs/Survivor Services Dept.
Goal 5: Make the FAIR program self-sufficient
Goal 6: Establish an after-school mentoring programs for youth.
Goal 7: Create webpage for volunteer recruitment and development.
Goal 8: Contribute to BPSOS’s Domestic Violence Program, Housing programs, and national website
Goal 9: Acquire a client base for BPSOS’s publishing company
Project Outcome:
Between the months of September and December, I worked with my fellow VISTA, Co Kim Oanh, and my supervisor, Bach Pham, to reaffirm community contacts by recruiting volunteers, outreaching to prospective clients, and acquiring space for a CTC. While Bach worked with BPSOS’s IT guy to acquire computers, I focused on recruiting volunteers to teach a series of Computer Literacy/ESL classes to current BPSOS clients. Through websites and phone calls, we recruited a small group of 4-5 volunteers that agreed to teach ESL/Computer Literacy combo classes.
CTC After-School Programming
Organization:
First Baptist Church VISTA Name:
Charlena Barnes
Program Start:
6/2002
Program End:
6/2004
Project Description:
The mission of the FBC Computer C.A.F.E. is to spread today’s technological knowledge around the community and to empower the members of the church and community through technology training. We strive to elevate youth to positive futures through using computer technology for tutoring, cultural events, and mentoring by pairing stable, professional adults both working and retired with youth.
Goal 1: Implement an after-school program
Goal 2: Facilitate a Business Center
Goal 3: Public and private sector resources will enable the project to continue after the Members leave.
Project Outcome:
During her term, Charlena researched three online volunteer management programs and posted volunteer position descriptions. Charlena organized activities for the Black Family Technology Awareness Week, which consisted of three days of workshops focusing on family, technology, and financial stability. She developed, coordinated, and managed the workshops.
Charlena met with World Vision, First Baptist Church staff and Middle School Youth Rep. to develop and implement an ongoing student recruit drive.
She provided assistance to business center users and provides technical assistance to the church, its members, and the community.
She has developed procedures for an after-school program.
She developed the FBC Computer C.A.F.E. website (http://fchurch.org/cafe/index.shtml).
CTC Program Building
Organization:
Friends of Tyler School VISTA Name:
Charlena Barnes
Program Start:
6/2002
Program End:
8/2004
Project Description:
Goal 1: Maintain, organize and upgrade out CTC through developing an inventory system and updating our website.
Goal 2: Provide opportunities for FOTS students to use the FOTS computer center to improve typing and word processing skills and to learn to use the Internet by researching and implementing successful teaching tools for use at CTCs.
Goal 3: Implement an after-school computer literacy program
Goal 4: Train FOTS Teachers, Tutors and Parent To More effectively Use Educational Software to Enhance Student Academic Achievement
Goal 5: Develop public and private sector resources that will enable the project to continue after the Members leave.
Project Outcome:
Charlena helped to launched the new website in September 2002. It has been extremely helpful with fundraising and the recruitment of volunteers. Microsoft Access was used to create databases to track software, hardware, community and technology contacts, and student, tutor, and parent contacts. Each database has easy-to-use interfaces to update information.
Charlena created FOTS curricular resource binders based off of resources from Byte Back, SeniorNet, Triangle Coalition, Digital Newsroom, and a host of web-based programs. As a result, the FOTS curriculum is a pool of resources that can be manipulated and adapted to student need and class environment. Future VISTAS can rely on the curriculum binders and documented resources to create future classes.
Charlena assisted in keeping the computer center operated on a five-day week schedule. Basic computer literacy skills were addressed in computer classes and Open Lab. In the spring of 2003, classes concentrated on more advanced topics such as Lego robotics, Photoshop, spreadsheets, and web page design.