Eannace: Community Technology Center Opens March 1 at MVCC






Immediate Release	For Information Contact:
Tuesday, February 25, 2003	Alice Savino 793-6037


Eannace: Community Technology Center Opens March 1 at MVCC Workforce Investment Board Project Helps Local Residents Improve Technology, Literacy, Computer Skills TLC is just the answer for local residents who want to improve their technology and literacy skills. The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties, working in partnership with the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees, Mohawk Valley Community College, Oneida County Workforce Development and the BOCES Consortium of Continuing Education, has announced that a unique Technology Learning Center (TLC) will open March 1^st, at the corporate computer training facilities of Mohawk Valley Community College, located in its new Information Technology Building at the Utica campus. "To grow a stronger economy, we need to constantly upgrade the skills of our workforce," said Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace, Jr. "Education to help our residents improve technology skills and literacy skills is an essential step to creating a more skilled workforce. These new skills are the foundation of our reviving economy." TLC, which is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, will provide adult education and family literacy activities through technology and the Internet, including GED, English instruction and adult basic education classes. The Center, located in Room 219 of MVCC’s Information Technology Building, will have an open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 1^st, with instruction beginning the following week. "This effort will help use the existing world-class facilities that MVCC already has, and reach out into the community to help area residents acquire the skills they need for future growth," said Workforce Investment Board Executive Director Alice Savino. "Because many people who need these skills are already working to make ends meet and feed their families, we will be offering programs that have evening and weekend hours. We want people who are making strides to help themselves gain even more skills through this project, which will offer its services at no cost to participants." TLC offers: 16 State-of-the-art Computers Internet access English as a Second Language Classes GED preparation Job Readiness Classes Technology Center participants can: Learn to use a computer Explore the Internet Learn about Email, and establish an email account Improve your writing, reading and math Improve your English Language skills Prepare a resume Get help with your job search Improve your employability Learn to Keyboard Explore Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Access For more information or to register, contact Project Director Marianne Smith at the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees at 733-8646 or e-mail her at tlc@mvrcr.org. Information on the project is also available at MVCC Academic Building Room 128 or by calling Working Solutions Placement Counselor Morris Pearson at 792-5488.