From the Director

Hello everyone,

Thanks you for taking the time to read our newsletter. We have a couple of stories about students that we are very proud of and a story a story about happenings with our wonderful staff.

I also want to give a special thanks to the Eckerd Family Foundation. The foundation heard about the tough financial year that we’re having and has agreed to provide us with a special match grant of $25,000. They will match, dollar for dollar, the next $25,000 that we receive toward our curriculum development project. We are very happy because when we find the matching dollars, we will be able to complete this two year project.

One last note. We are currently accepting applications for sponsorships for the 2008 Technology Bowl. You can sponsor a team of 4 students to participate in the competition to be held on October 25th to show of their knowledge of computers and win great technology prizes. Send me a note for more information.

Sincerely,

Click the Donate Now button to make an online donation to Computer Mentors Group through Network for Good today.

Brigitte Javier - 1st Year Teen Student

Brigitte Javier enrolled in the CMG teen program in September, 2007. CMG is fortunate to have this 10th grade student interested in our program. She very efficiently uses her time in high school, has firm long-term goals and recognizes the value to her life of being computer literate.

Brigitte has been very active at CMG. She received her IC3 certification on March 20, 2008. She participated in 2007 Tech Bowl and eagerly looks forward to the 2008 Tech Bowl this coming October. Brigitte and her mother, Liv Javier-Fleming, also assisted with the setup for the February, 2007 "Black Family Technology Awareness Program" held at the NFL Education Town Center.

"Brigitte proudly displays the computer awarded for receiving her IC3 certification."

She has been able to interface successfully her CMG activities with her high school efforts. Her long-term goal is to be a criminal lawyer. To prepare herself for this career goal, she travels from Brandon by school bus daily to attend the Magnet "Law and Criminal Justice Program" at Jefferson High school in Tampa. She is in the Honors Program and is enrolled in all advanced placement courses.

In addition to her studies, Brigitte is very active in other school organizations. She was the 9th grade class president. She now serves as the 10th grade class vice-president. She is deeply involved in the Student Workers Against Tobacco (SWAT) and the Future Public Service in America (FPSA) organizations. Next year, she plans to resume her cheerleader position and be a member of the Jefferson High volleyball team.

She has been a Florida resident for four years, but plans to return to New York City for her college years. Her goal is to attend the New York University (NYU) undergraduate and law school programs. She knows that excellent computer knowledge will further her law career.

We are delighted that Brigitte has chosen CMG for her initial computer training.

AlJerral Hicks - 3rd Year in the Teen Program

Aljerral began participation in CMG training in the summer of 2006. CMG has a summer three-week four hours per day program for local at-risk teens. These attendees are taught the same IC3 program that the weekly year-around evening teen attendees have. Very few evening teens have achieved IC3 certification in less than six months (approximately 48 hours). Aljerral achieved his IC3 certification in eight days (32 hours). Amazing!

He is currently a Tampa Bay Technical High School Junior. His major is computer science. After 2006 summer session attendance, Aljerral has continued to participate in CMG programs. During the 2006-7 school year, he assisted the CMG staff in the evaluation of A+ certification topics. During this school year, He has been a very active participant in the Wednesday night teen A+ class.

CMG 3rd year student, Aljerral Hicks

Also, Aljerral was hired as a CMG 2007 summer intern. He taught at the Fair Oaks Community Center program for 8-13 year-olds. The children loved his attitude, patience, and computer knowledge.

He welcomes any opportunity for public speaking. He has preached sermons at the Mount Calvary Seventh Day Adventist Church. Aljerral has, also, performed in school theatrical productions. Recently, he has begun a CMG advanced trainer course (COMP-TIA Certified Technical Trainer program). He is one of the few minors in this required upgrade course for all CMG trainers. His goal is to be certified by December, 2008. We are confident of his success.

Aljerral’s future educational plans have not been finalized. His college major could be computer science, theatrical arts, or another field entirely. We know that Aljerral will be a success in any field that he chooses.

CMG Staff Receives CTT+ Training

The goal of CMG is to be recognized nationally for its mission and for its accomplishments in "bridging the digital divide" with all age levels in the disadvantaged community. Having qualified, dedicated and enthusiastic trainers is a must. To this end, CMG is having all of its instructors receive a Comp TIA CTT+ certification by year end 2008.

CompTIA is a non-profit information technology (IT) trade association. CompTIA's certifications are designed by subject matter experts from across the ITT industry. Each CompTIA certification requires demonstration of skills and knowledge widely sought after by the IT industry. The final CTT+ testing will consist of an online test,
plus a CompTIA evaluation of a mock classroom presentation.

CMG staff CTT+ training class.

CMG instructs all age levels, from elementary children to senior citizens. Teaching this variety of students requires all of the skills emphasized in the CTT+ training. These skills include assessing learner needs, modifying content to meet client needs, using a variety of delivery methods, motivating and challenging learners and evaluating learner performance.

CTT+ class: The volunteer instructor is Dana Holmes-Jenkins
located to the rear (in red blouse).

To prepare for the CTT+ test, the CMG trainers have extensive monthly reading assignments. The trainers meet for two hours on the 3rd Saturday afternoon of every month. Since this program is a significant expense, CMG tests the trainers monthly on their home assignment. The fact that all CMG trainers must have a CTT+ certification in 2009 is incentive for an individual to attend the meeting and complete their homework. The volunteer instructor for the monthly meeting is Dana Holmes-Jenkins, President, D & K Consulting. CMG is very appreciative of this effort from one of its most active board members.

We look forward to all of the instructors having their CTT+ certification.

Thank You

Thank you JPMorganChase, for providing a $15,000 grant for our Adult Computer Literacy Program.

The program will provide adults with training and then also support them with assistance in finding enhanced employment opportunities.