Eastmont TEHNOLOGY Center

Community Technology Center (Formerly Eastmont Computing Center)
Located in a 180-Unit Public Housing Development.

Objective

• Provide entry points to the IT career ladder, and create opportunities for people to update technology skills, to move on to employment and advanced IT training/work opportunities.
• Increase the availability of computer/ Internet training and access, with an informal learning approach backed up by technical support.
• Expand technology employment opportunities and job readiness training for under-served Oakland residents, with advanced IT training programs.
• Catalyze large-scale activities in support of community technology in Oakland, in partnership with schools, corporations and community.
• Location at the hub of the East Oakland community, within a housing development, adjacent to a church, near to a transportation terminus.

Outcomes

• Open access to 56 computers in two lab spaces; 4 FTE staff plus 5 PT instructors, and a core of volunteer instruction assistants.
• A setting outside of formal schooling that includes job support, learning development and education through projects, open access to computers/Internet, and self-paced learning experiences, as well as technical IT training programs.
• Substantial computer use by those who do not have a home computer, for employment, school, and other purposes.
• Over 300 CTC members, with over 100 users/day; 450 participants/week; 47,000 participants in 10 years.
• Diverse workshops and self-paced learning opportunities.
• Advanced computer programs and skilled technical training.

History

1997 – Present. In 2009, moved to an expanded location across the street from the original computer lab.

Collaboration

City of Oakland, Mayor’s Task Force.

Funding Sources

• California Emerging Technology Fund, Comerica Bank, City of Oakland, HUD Community Development Block Grant.
• Founded with U.S. Commerce Department Technology Opportunity Program (TOPS) grant.

Enrollment

• Open enrollment for computer/software use, for adults and youth.
• Multiple entry points for many programs.
• Workshop and class enrollments for days/weeks.
• Multi-week enrollment for technical training.

Menu of Classes

• Basic Computer Literacy (IC-3.)
• A+ Technical Training.
• SeniorNet Computer literacy classes for Seniors (50+yrs.)
• LifeStories & Digital Storytelling Workshops.
• Entrepreneurial Classes/Skills
• Music/Computer graphics.
• Self-paced learning with amazingelearning.com curriculum.
• Business and Career Prep.
• Mentor Program.
• Intel Clubhouse homework program for youth.