CMG Student Joshua Bennett

Joshua “Josh” Bennett is one of CMG’s newest faces in our Youth Computer Certification & Ownership Program, having started the Tech Teen curriculum in October 2011. The tall, lanky, 15-year-old from Freedom High School in New Tampa has been enjoying his experience, and completed the first of three (3) phases of the Youth Program in a very fast two (2) months! Typically it takes up to three (3) months to complete the Tech Teen assignments, but Josh was focused and determined to complete his tasks.  As with all CMG youth completing Teen Tech,

Josh received his free Dell desktop computer at his Tuesday, November 29 evening class taught from 6-8pm by Regina & Jonathan Nelson.

Josh is excited about having a computer because it will allow him to do high-school class assignments using Microsoft Office software at home and turn them in on time. He also now has the freedom to surf online whenever he wants for entertainment or information. “[Computer Mentors Group Youth Program] gives kids the opportunity to learn more about computers and all the technical things that go into operating or building a computer,” says Josh. He further encourages other youth interested in joining CMG’s Youth Program to only join if they are going to be diligent in staying in the program. He says youth should get the most out of the program by actively participating and not just getting a free computer but gaining the technology skills and knowledge that will change their life and provide youth with a great career.

Like most high schoolers, Josh has a number of hobbies and interests which keep him active outside of his class work. He enjoys playing basketball and soccer in his community while also studying the viola and playing piano at school. Congratulations to Joshua and all the fantastic youth in the CMG Youth Program who continue to do well and are motivated to learn. Thanks to parents who see the importance of having their youth actively participate in the Youth Program and our awesome instructors who provide guidance. We all are the village that raises our youth!

To enroll your youth in the newly enhanced Youth Programs, please contact our youth Manager, Kéto N. Hodges at 813-236-1191 or email khodges@computermentors.org for program requirements and application. Our upcoming first orientation for new students will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Computer Mentors Group, 2802 E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Suite F, Tampa, FL 33610.

From The Director

	Director Ralph Smith

Hi Everyone;

The Computer Mentors Group Youth Computer Certification and Ownership Program will undergo a major facelift and update. Starting in January 2012 CMG will adopt a service learning model for our youth program. That is, that we will be asking and assisting our youth to perform meaningful community service projects as a part of their training. Projects are now being solicited, so if you are a part of a non-profit organization or know of one that would like to be considered for a project, please contact our Youth Program Manager (Kéto Hodges) for the guidelines and the procedure to submit a project.

In conjunction with the change toward a service learning model, we are also implementing one-on-one mentoring. We are recruiting Information Technology mentors to assist the youth in completing their community service projects. That will guarantee that the non-profit organization receives quality while simultaneously providing the guidance that the students need to be successful.

Of course, in order to be successful, we need your continued community support. Please assist us and our youth by making this information available to other non-profit organizations and Information Technology professionals and companies. We are seeking assistance in order to be able to complete projects such as updating websites, creating Constant Contact templates, creating marketing videos, creating client tracking databases and the like. The proposed program changes will lead to some exciting projects, and we are planning several events to celebrate the accomplishments of our students in the coming months.

Thank you and regards,

Email: rsmith@computermentors.org
Phone: (813) 236-1191