CTCNetwork News September 2007
In this Issue
- From the Board President
- Important Announcements
- Out and About with CTCNet
- CTCNet Resources
- Member Spotlight: Jane Addams Resource Corporation
- CTCNet Welcomes 7 New Members
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CTCNet is wrapping up what has been an exciting summer for us. We announced Melanie Stephens of Centro Latino for Literacy as the winner of our 2007 Toni Stone Innovative Initiative Award; introduced five new members to our Board of Directors; convened our 2007 Annual Membership Meeting; saw great outcomes from participants of our Connections for All program; attended two inspiring conferences, and surveyed our membership to find some interesting results.
The 2007 Annual Membership Meeting took place on August 28th via teleconference. With approximately 50 people in attendance, the agenda included a review of the year, a preview of upcoming initiatives at CTCNet, and announcements of new Board members and the Toni Stone Award Winner. Full teleconference audio and documents from the Membership Meeting are posted online at www.ctcnet.org/who/board/2007membermeeting.htm. I would like to thank everyone – members, Board, and staff - who participated in the Board Elections, Membership Meeting, and Toni Stone Nomination process.
A big welcome goes out to our new Board members – Christopher Goett, Rick Herrmann, Patricia Jayne, B. David Rogers, and Micheline Wilcoxen! And congratulations go out to Karen Wade on her re-election to the Board. As we welcome new Board members to CTCNet, we also need to show our great appreciation to Tony Streit and Angela Siefer, who have recently stepped down from the Board after long and committed service to CTCNet. Tony and Angela, your contributions of knowledge, passion, and time to CTCNet will be forever appreciated.
I would also like to congratulate Melanie Stephens and Centro Latino for Literacy for their award-winning innovative work and recognize all of our members for the meaningful work you all continue to do. Although we’re sad to say farewell to summer, we are looking forward to what fall will bring and hope that you are, too!
Stay Connected,
Shireen Mitchell, CTCNet Board President
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Important Announcements
Melanie Stephens, Executive Director of Centro Latino for Literacy, Wins the 2007 Toni Stone Innovative Initiative Award
At CTCNet’s Annual Membership Meeting on August 28th, CTCNet awarded Melanie Stephens, Executive Director of Centro for Literacy in Los Angeles, CA, the 2007 Toni Stone Innovative Initiative Award for her leadership in the development of a unique computer-based Spanish literacy program called LEAMOS (Let’s Read).
Centro Latino focuses on teaching literacy and providing educational opportunities to Latino immigrants with little or no formal education. Under Melanie’s leadership, Centro Latino raised over $100,000 to develop LEAMOS and after beta testing, released it for other organizations to use. Currently, thirty organizations across the country including schools, libraries and community organizations are using the program.
CTCNet accepted nominations for the award in July. Eight exceptional and inspiring nominations were reviewed by a panel consisting of two CTCNet staff, two members of CTCNet’s Board of Directors, and one former Award winner. Each member of the panel scored the nominees’ Innovative Initiatives on criteria including Vision, Innovation, Impact, Replicability, and Sustainability. The panel then met to discuss their scores and recommend a candidate for the award.
Reviewers were especially impressed with Melanie's innovative approach to integrating literacy and technology education and with the scalability and potential impact of this resource as it is adopted by other agencies.
Congratulations to Melanie and to all of this year’s nominees, whose profiles are online at: http://www.ctcnet.org/what/initiatives/ts_award/2007tsa_nominees.htm
C4All Update
CTCNet’s Connections for All (C4All) program, in partnership with the Alliance for Technology Access and funded by the AT&T Foundation, continues to move toward completion. The AccessNow Awards, given to 24 attendees of the C4All Accessibility Institutes for simple and cost-effective solutions for making CTC programs and facilities more inviting and accessible, were completed this summer. Reporting from the Awardees reflect increased awareness of accessibility issues, changes in staff and volunteer attitudes and knowledge and increased use of their CTCs by senior, youth and English as a Second Language (ESL) patrons.
The 14 C4All Accessibility Grants are also nearing completion. The C4All Grantees are utilizing their $20,000 grant funds and 30 hours of technical assistance to implement a variety of programs and activities to make their centers more accessible to people with a broad range of abilities. Grantees’ activities include networking with other CTCs to develop a community technology learning center collaborative; upgrading websites to meet accessibility standards; translating marketing materials and course curricula into Spanish and large-print formats; offering classes to youth, ESL patrons, seniors and youth; developing accessibility statements; and holding community awareness workshops. The grant period ends September 30th, and we look forward to learning more about the outcomes of these projects!
CTCNet continues work on the new CTC Operating Manual and the CTC Self-Assessment Tool, both of which will be completed by the end of the year. While these materials are still being developed, don’t forget that you can check out the CTCNet Resource Center for C4All Accessibility Institute materials, as well as a range of materials on CTC-related topics.
Have a great resource of your own? Post it on the CTCNet Resource Center!
2007 CTCNet Member Demographics Survey
Earlier this summer, CTCNet surveyed the membership to collect basic information about CTC member organizations and the clients that they serve. The information provided by members allows CTCNet to pursue exciting opportunities and convert them into beneficial programs and services for our members. CTCNet will continue to solicit members proactively and frequently, to ensure that our work best supports the membership.
Here is a quick snapshot of the key survey findings:
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Embedded CTCs account for 72% of the respondents. This percentage is consistent with similar surveys CTCNet has conducted in the past two years.
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More than three-quarters of respondents are decision-makers (executive directors or managers) at their organizations.
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CTCs are extremely interested in learning about Workforce Development, ESL Education and Literacy and Other Adult Education.
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73% of CTCs are located in urban areas.
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20% of CTCs are working with clients who speak, or are learning, English as a second language.
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CTCs are serving slightly more women than men, and of those who know the ages of their clients, many are serving teens and adults (aged 26-65).
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Almost 40% of CTCs have been in existence for 6 to 10 years.
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CTCs anticipate serving at-risk youth, immigrants and un/under-employed adults over the next 2 years.
The full summary of the 2007 CTCNet Member Demographic Survey is available at http://ctcnet.org/who/members.htm.
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Out and About with CTCNet
CTCNet at 2007 Neighborhood Networks National Training Conference
Hanh, Stephen, Amy and Taylore all attended this year's Neighborhood Networks National Training Conference in Washington, DC August 8-10. Founded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1995, the Neighborhood Networks initiative has been establishing community technology centers in HUD-supported housing communities for more than ten years. There are now more than 1,000 Neighborhood Networks centers in HUD-supported housing communities around the country, and many of them are CTCNet members. In fact, several Neighborhood Networks centers were recognized at the Conference for recently achieving advanced designations within HUD's three-level Center Classification system, including several CTCNet members.
In addition to representing CTCNet in the exhibit hall, staff attended a number of excellent sessions on topics ranging from financial literacy to partnering with businesses. This conference was a great opportunity to connect with our friends at Neighborhood Networks and learn about the exciting work that centers are doing. Learn more about Neighborhood Networks at http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/mfh/nnw/nnwindex.cfm.
CTCNet Attends Workforce Innovations 2007
Stephen attended the 2007 Workforce Innovations Conference, a major event in workforce development hosted by the U.S. Department of Labor each year. This year’s event was in Kansas City July 17-19. A major goal of attending this conference was to learn about ways that community-based organizations like CTCs can partner with the workforce system.
The theme of this year's conference was "Beyond Boundaries," and partnerships and collaboration were emphasized throughout. There were sessions on faith- and community-based organizations, community colleges, collaborative philanthropic initiatives and other non-traditional partners in workforce development, all with examples of how these groups are partnering with Workforce Investment Boards, State and local Workforce Agencies, and other workforce development providers to prepare residents for careers and grow their local economies.
Stephen returned from Kansas City with a wealth of information, ideas and new contacts to help us explore ways that CTCs can support workforce development in their communities. For more information about the 2007 Workforce Innovations Conference, visit http://www.workforceinnovations.org/.
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CTCNet Resources
Youth Visions for Your Neighborhood Case Study:
With CTCNet’s Youth Visions for Stronger Neighborhoods curriculum, youth across the country have identified some of the most pressing issues in their neighborhoods and worked towards creating awareness about and solutions for these issues.
Appalshop, one of 23 organizations that participated in CTCNet's three-year Youth Visions for Stronger Neighborhoods program, was interested in increasing the responsiveness of the school system and local government toward teen issues such as drug use and pregnancy.
Youth met with a state-wide citizens' organization to get advice on organizing in their community and then produced a video that challenged local officials to allocate more resources to addressing teen drug use and pregnancy. The film debuted to an audience of 130 at a local festival. Residents, youth, government officials, teachers, and community organizers all turned out to hear what these energetic and talented young people had to say.
After the screening, 40 youth and community leaders- and even the County Judge Executive- participated in a spirited panel discussion, and a number of elected officials and policymakers requested additional screenings. The topic became a key talking point in an upcoming election and the youth continue the discussion by attending and hosting candidate forums.
What can your community's youth do with the Youth Visions curriculum? To read other case studies, view videos created through the Youth Visions program, and order your copy of the curriculum, visit www.ctcnet.org/youthvisions today!
From the CTC Resource Center
Just added to the CTC Resource Center is a 2006 guide from The Finance Project called Finding Resources to Support Workforce Development Services for Youth. This report provides ideas for funding youth workforce development programs and highlights some innovative examples. The report includes information on Workforce Investment Act (WIA) provisions for youth services (such as the WIA Youth Program), as well as other federal programs such as Job Corps and Learn and Serve America. There is a strong emphasis on partnership, with guidelines and examples of strong partnerships for funding and delivering youth workforce development programs.
Download the report from the CTC Resource Center today!
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Member Spotlight: Jane Addams Resource Corporation
The recent CTCNet member survey indicated that CTCs are extremely interested in learning more about workforce development. So, our featured Member in this edition of the CTCNetwork News is Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC), located in Chicago, Illinois. JARC’s Computer Technology Center provides free or low-cost training to community members on the skills needed to succeed in the modern workplace. CTCNet spoke with JARC’s Daniel Faichney, Program Assistant of Education and Human Development, to learn more. |
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What services does Jane Addams Resource Center provide to the community?
At Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC), we provide a comprehensive mix of educational, job training and economic development services to help build healthy communities and to help families achieve self-sufficiency. Our services are described below:
1) “Sectoral” training for manufacturing which includes three distinct programs:
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Manufacturing Skills Program (MSP) provides work-related literacy and technical training to employees of Chicago area manufacturers both onsite and at JARC's Training Center for the Metalworking Trades. MSP offers courses in Computer Aided Design, Computer Numerical Control machining, MIG and TIG welding, punch press die-setting, quality assurance and forklift safety. MSP serves over 400 workers per year.
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Careers in Manufacturing Program (CMP) teaches community residents the skills they need to find entry-level jobs with Chicagoland manufacturers. Training focuses on jobs identified as critical skills in short supply (CNC machining and welding). Services include job placement. Will serve 45 students in FY08.
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Youth Manufacturing Program (YMP). New this year, YMP runs a high-tech manufacturing apprenticeship program for After School Matter, serving 20-30 students per year.
2) Education and Human Development Services:
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Adult Learners’ Program (ALPS) gives the gift of reading to neighborhood residents and workers through volunteer one-on-one tutoring. ALPS also offers pre-GED instruction, life skills, introduction to computers, word processing, and special subject seminars.
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Community Technology Center provides free basic and intermediate-level computer classes in English and Spanish to nearly 400 people per year. This includes JARC's Technology Promoters Initiative, a Spanish-language computer training program that aims to create more volunteer teachers to spread digital literacy in the Latino community.
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Workers Advance Committee, a client advisory body that is also a leadership training program. This committee initiated JARC’s Spanish-language GED program.
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Center for Working Families: offers Employment Services, Financial Education and income supports (i.e. Real Benefits screening, Tax Preparation and LIHEAP assistance)
3) Business Services
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Local Industrial Retention Initiative promotes a healthy local economy through supporting the retention of the business base in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, home to approximately 200 companies and 5,200 jobs and through capacity building initiatives with corridor workers and area residents.
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Real Estate Development Project purchased and rehabilitated three building in Ravenswood to provide over 100,000 square feet of viable manufacturing space and facilities in Ravenswood for small business. We also purchased a fourth building in West Garfield Park this year which is being developed as an incubator.
Can you briefly describe what your technology related programs are about and what they offer the community?
JARC’s Community Technology Center (CTC) offers two services: free, basic-intermediate level computer classes, and the Technology Promoters program. The computer classes, offered in English and Spanish, are taught with a standards-based approach. Students develop functional proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, and some opt to take the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification exams. The focus of these classes is to help students develop marketable technology skills that they can apply at home or in the workplace.
Our Technology Promoters program combines computer training, leadership development, and volunteer service, with the goal of developing a cadre of “peer-promoters” who can spread digital literacy and build leadership capacity within the Latino community. Participants complete 44 hours of computer training, 10 hours of leadership development training, and 14 hours of volunteer service as instructors, teaching assistants, or lab monitors. Following graduation, many Promoters stay on at JARC, recruiting new students, participating in the Workers Advance Committee, and serving as long-term volunteer instructors in the CTC. Promoters create a cycle of success, where program graduates can make a difference in the lives of new generations of students.
What are the challenges, demands, and pressures facing your organization?
The economy has always shaped our programs, and we are constantly adjusting to economic circumstances to improve our services. Training and educational programs constantly revise and adapt their services to meet new needs and shifting demand. Additionally, changing demographics in our home area (on the North Side of Chicago) have triggered an evolution in our programs and plans; we have expanded our scope and continue to develop a presence in newly-accessed communities such as Chicago’s Latino population. As demand for services has increased, we have begun to present our programs as an inter-related “bundle,” serving the varied needs of the whole person, thus increasing their overall chances of success.
What impact does the Jane Addams Resource Center have on the individuals/community it serves?
We increase confidence and promote success by building skills for personal and economic success, by reinforcing a sense of community among program participants, and by providing opportunities for leadership and self-development. Our technology education results in increased computer skills proficiency, resulting in greater career mobility and increased ability and willingness to use computers for a variety of personal and occupational purposes.
If you would like to see your organization featured in a future edition of the CTCNetwork News, contact Taylore Casbarian-Wilson at tcasbarian@ctcnet.org for more information.
For more information on the Jane Addams Resource Corporation, visit http://www.jane-addams.org/.
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CTCNet Welcomes 7 New Members
Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware |
Wilmington, DE |
City of Vernonia – Vernonia Community Learning Center |
Vernonia, OR |
Fundatia EOS Romania – e-centres network |
Timisoara, Romania |
Community Network Learning Center |
Huntsville, AL |
Faircliff Plaza West Community Center |
Washington, DC |
District of Columbia Public Library, Adult Literacy Resource Center |
Washington, DC |
Africa ICT Right (AIR) |
Accra, Ghana |
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