We have been going after government funding, grants, and even private funding from groups such as the Open Society Institute, and 21 Century Community Learning Centers Grants. We are trying to bring a program to the Baltimore City area that will help young disadvantaged youth. The program is called the “Make It - Take It™”. This program consist of a four to eight week computer and technologies training at no cost to the students in hope to steer and direct our youth into a technology job market and give them the tools necessary to compete in today's world. The class consists of two sessions, each one lasting two to four weeks.
The first session covers basic computing concepts and computing terminology. From there, we move into software applications. The goal is for the students to gain familiarity with mainstream software applications while developing “real world” skills. For example, when we cover Microsoft Word, students will create a resume for themselves. In the Power Point class, we will use the scenario that each student is the owner of a manufacturing company. They decide on the product and the target customer base and then create a presentation to market the product.
The second session is designed to give the student hands on experience with computer hardware. A lab environment is created with a computer workstation for each student. During this time, the students will remove each component of the computer, and learn how they interact to form a working unit. Once the computers are disassembled and the students have gained an understanding of the individual components, they begin the process of reassembling the computer. The technical problems that are inherent to the process provide the students with real world troubleshooting skills. Once the system is reassembled, the students then introduce new hardware and software to the system.
Upon completion of the program, students will then graduate with a certificate of achievement, along with getting to keep their computer and a year free internet access. Additional classes covering more advanced topics will be offered to each graduating student of the “Make It - Take It™” program. In addition, those students receiving advanced training will have the opportunity to return in the capacity of “student mentor.”
To bring this program to Baltimore requires a lot of support and with the current market, it seems that agencies are trying to hold on to what little they have. We are looking to partner with The Institute for the Study of Digital Inclusion who has helped to bring this program to life in Florida, and other areas in hopes of bringing it to Baltimore, Washington DC, and Virginia. Please if you have any advice, or can point us in the right direction to get funding, and resources for this, we would be eternally grateful.
Below is a sample of the Curriculum:
Week 1– Nuts and Bolts Taking the computer apart and putting it back together; identifying components
Week 2 – Installing OS Since installing the OS may take some time, use this time to cover such topics as Bits and Bytes, Care and Safety
Week 3 – Office Applications Install software; Review Basic File Operations; Using Basic Software Applications; Atomic Learning is a great resource for software application tutorials.
Week 4 – Installing Updates Install necessary updates; use extra time to introduce Internet safety using resource documents
Week 5 – Anti Virus Programs Install Antivirus using freeware; use extra time to introduce Internet safety using resource documents or cover additional information about software applications
Week 6 – Internet Safety Invite a guest speaker; Media Specialists are a great resource for this information; use iSafe information
Week 7- Netiquette: Proper behavior on the Internet; accepted rules of behavior to follow when you're online; common acronyms
Week 8 - Graduation Pass out diplomas; host small party; parents attend and assign kids take computers home
