Transmission Project

Developing this course has helped Ella to better troubleshoot computers, for there are individuals in the community that are in dire need of help. These individuals bring their personal computers to the center for technical support. In the Wendell Community and surrounding areas, the Riley Hill Technology Center is the only source that does not charge a fee for service.

We very grateful to add our source of Volunteers & Technology Resources. We have used the following sources this year (2003-2004):

• Schools (K-12) students as well as other personnel
• Community Colleges
• Libraries (Public and Other)
• Local businesses
• Wake Forest Pediatrics (Wake Forest, NC)
• Churches (Wakefield, Zebulon First Baptist etc.)
• RTP.net (Website)
• Family and Friends of staff members
• Department of Social Services (Eastern Regional Center, Zebulon)
• Retired Senior citizens

The quality of life has improved for the youth and adults who have taken computer classes at the center, however updating the computer equipment as well as software is still needed. We are currently looking for funding for this project and for a long-term way of sustaining the center. The Riley Hill Survey Plan has given some insight on how to get this plan implemented.

Brenda made great steps in developing the programs of the technology center. These steps include: increasing the number of support volunteers for all programs, reaching out to other organizations that are trying to develop technology centers within their communities, researching funding options, applying for funding to ensure sustainability, developing a marketing plan for public awareness, presenting to groups, organizing training events in the center, and slowly increasing the quantity and quality of the programs in the center along with developing the infrastructure.

Project Accomplishments:
• 2 presentations on Web accessibility
• sent out electronic info to 100 people;
• 1 presentation on educational technology;
• organized a tutor program for 20 kids;
• organized ScienceQuest program for 10 kids (created collaboration with four organizations and designed a Web page about the program (http://www.pluk.org/sciencequest.htm);
• made contact with two other organizations, lining up space, computers, and program materials for satellite CTCs if funded, and wrote the grant for funding;
• currently working on establishing an education program for educators, paraprofessionals, and parents on assistive technology tools that are available.
• developing a catalogue of in-house resource materials;
• designing a flier for the assistive technology lab, revamping existing materials,
• designing a Web site for the assistive technology lab as part of the VISTA project.
• participated in the Montana Collaborative Empowerment Project
• participated in a Digital Media Workshop.
• designed web page for VISTA project (http://www.pluk.org/ctc-americorpvista.htm)

In specific terms: in respect to Goal #1, we have in fact created a contextualized literacy program in response to the previously assessed needs of the A+ candidates. In conjunction with the curriculum we have produced the necessary adjoining workbook. At this time we have just completed our first test run of this curriculum, we are currently gathering and analyzing the feedback from subjects along with our partnering organizations. To date the response has been overwhelmingly positive. We are now moving to incorporate this data into the program itself.

As to Goal #2 the materials are currently under review by the AACC. We are expecting helpful feedback and an overall smooth process. At this point in time the curriculum remains under advisement with the AACC.

On Goal #3 we have created and put in place specific operating agreements with our various partner organizations. As these agreements were drafted by a VISTA who is a lawyer, they are professionally created and agreed upon by all concerned.

Beth and Edith worked well above their call of duty to lead the efforts of designing a system that helped bring technology solutions to low-income senior and disabilities housing properties. They worked directly with staff at affordable housing properties for seniors and people with disabilities as well as the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Southern California office to make sure that Pangea designed a system that could help low-income seniors and people with disabilities use technology to access community resources to meet their need. They designed the functional specification of the system, and then worked daily with Pangea’s software developers to oversee the development of the system. They have been praised by every organization they worked with, especially HUD’s Southern California Neighborhood Networks team leader.

Beth and Edith worked well above their call of duty to lead the efforts of designing a system that helped bring technology solutions to low-income senior and disabilities housing properties. They worked directly with staff at affordable housing properties for seniors and people with disabilities as well as the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Southern California office to make sure that Pangea designed a system that could help low-income seniors and people with disabilities use technology to access community resources to meet their need. They designed the functional specification of the system, and then worked daily with Pangea’s software developers to oversee the development of the system. They have been praised by every organization they worked with, especially HUD’s Southern California Neighborhood Networks team leader.

In May of 2003, we opened the new Magic Johnson Computer Lab (MJCL). David and Victoria assisted in:
- the development of a marketing plan to promote the lab and its new programs;
- the grand opening activities surrounding the Magic Johnson Lab;
- the recruitment of volunteer instructors for the MJCL;
- responding to telephone inquiries about the MJCL program; and
- the development of resources that the MJCL program needs to increase its capacity.

Victoria provided support for the HOPE Scholars program. She assisted in working out a schedule to train 1,000 students in a five week period. Victoria is now the new director of our Edgewood Village satellite office. She is responsible for all computer-related programs for the residents of the 144 unit complex including our computer access/literacy training workshops.

In May of 2003, we opened the new Magic Johnson Computer Lab (MJCL). David assisted in:
- the development of a marketing plan to promote the lab and its new programs;
- the grand opening activities surrounding the Magic Johnson Lab;
- the recruitment of volunteer instructors for the MJCL;
- responding to telephone inquiries about the MJCL program; and
- the development of resources that the MJCL program needs to increase its capacity.

David also assisted in preparing 72 PCs.

In addition to recruiting and managing volunteers, Heidi has been very involved with local colleges and the University of Minnesota regarding placement of student interns within area CTCs. Heidi attended many meetings in the course of this project, and as a result, C-CAN was one of only a few, select non-profit organizations the U of Minnesota chose as partners for their community outreach program, a program that places undergraduates in social service agencies as part of course work.

This groundwork has helped us to develop a sustainable network of volunteers for local CTCs that will serve the community even after our AmeriCorps*VISTA members finish their service later this year.

Since February of 2003, Heidi has organized and facilitated two quarterly and one annual meeting for local CTCs, working with other national organizations to provide resources to our local CTC partners. As a result of her outreach work, 25 local CTC leaders and advocates, and a representative from CTC/national (Felicia Sullivan) made a presentation at our annual conference in September.

Heidi finished work with a local community agency (Pillsbury United Communities; see attached) to develop and implement a “technical assessment” project that will serve as a model for other organizations that have asked for assistance with assessments.

A key component of the Americorps*Vista project with TFA has been capacity building. Building good relationships with community members and clients of the CTC is an important part of this. He has developed several strong working relationships with a few clients. Another component of capacity building is the development of community volunteers to support the work of the CTC. Recently, Ken recruited a Spanish speaking community member to lead a new basic computer skills class in Spanish. This was a big accomplishment for the CTC and for Ken.

One of Ken’s capacity building activities has been the development and implementation of CTC data collection and entry. We are now able to compare CTC data for each month regarding class sessions and attendance within the CTC. Ken’s responsibility for this activity will help us with funders as we seek additional support for our work in the community.