A Message from the Executive Director

As with any organization, it's worthwhile for us to step back and evaluate what we have accomplished in the past 12 months.

Computer Mentors Group had an unprecedented year in 2006, thanks to the phenomenal support we received from the Tampa Bay community. It came in the form of financial contributions, board leadership and volunteerism that translated into increased levels of service.

We touched the lives of more than 300 families by placing computers into their homes. We provided more than 1,000 hours of free computer literacy training. We increased our corporate funding 380 percent. We hosted our first Technology Bowl for area high school students. And we became a community partner by teaming up with Access Florida to provide a convenient site for their clients to sign up for public assistance via the Internet.

But we can't rest on our laurels.

In the same year we were able to accomplish so much, new data was released from the National Center for Education Statistics that revealed minorities still have incredible barriers to overcome when it comes to access to technology.

Many more children from non-minority homes use the Internet than do Hispanic and African-American students, a reminder that going online is hardly a way of life for everyone.

Two of every three non-minority students - 67 percent - use the Internet, but less than half of African-Americans and Hispanics do, according to the Center. For Hispanics, the figure is 44 percent; for African-Americans, it's 47 percent.
The digital divide between these groups is a national concern. Studies have shown that access and ability to use the Internet help improve people's education, job prospects and daily living.

We are undertaking initiatives for the upcoming year to help close the gaps. In 2007, we will unveil our new youth-friendly computer certification program, open a new branch in Plant City and expand our computer center and administrative offices to accommodate our extraordinary growth.

We appreciate the many types of support we receive from each and every one of you; none of our accomplishments would have been made without it. We thank you and hope you will continue to support efforts to bridge the digital divide in our community.

National Black Family Technology Awareness Week

After four years of being embraced by communities throughout the nation, National Black Family Technology Awareness Week February 10th—16th is back and we invite you to take part in it.

During Black Family Technology Week, the African-American community is encouraged to educate themselves to become aware of the possibilities that exist for individual and community empowerment through technology. Technology centers, like Computer Mentors, strive to make technology a household word and highlight the positive role models in this field. These events also increase the awareness of technology and the fact that African Americans must be a part of the fastest moving industry of all time.

Computer Mentors Group will host an Open House beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13th at 2802 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The event serves as an introduction to the community about the services we provide and provides networking opportunities for IT professionals in the area.

We’ll also be unveiling our remodeled offices, which include an expanded computer lab, a new administrative suite and parent lounge.

In addition to refreshments and door prizes, twenty lucky guests will take home a refurbished computer installed with the latest Microsoft software.

Mark your calendars and join us!

BTFW is sponsored in part by Career Communications Group Inc.

Training Lab Opens in Plant City

Beginning in February, Computer Mentors will expand its services to the Plant City area. Computer Mentors has reached an agreement with the Hispanic Services Council to build a computer lab in their building at 802 E. Baker Street. The room will be modeled after the lab in Tampa. This is an exciting opportunity to reach an underserved population that is eager to learn about computer technology.

To enroll in classes for students and adults at the facility, call the CMG office at (813) 236-1191.

Computer Mentors 10th Anniversary Gala

In celebration of providing a decade of computer literacy services to the Tampa Bay area, Computer Mentors will host a black-tie event at the Pepin Center on Thursday, June 21.  We’ll spend the evening highlighting the achievements of the students that have participated in our program during the past 10 years.

ACCESS Florida Available at CMG

Customers without Internet access can apply for public assistance at the Computer Mentors office. CMG is now an ACCESS Florida community partner location, a designated area where clients of the state’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) can apply online for benefits.

Operation hours for the CMG location is 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

Christmas Computers 4 Kids giveaway held

Computer Mentors Group distributed free computers to families in need during the holiday season as part of its annual "Christmas Computers for Kids" giveaway program.

Distribution was held on Dec. 16 at the St. Pete Times Forum. Many thanks to the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation, the signature sponsor for the third consecutive year. David Everett II, senior vice president of administration for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Nancy Crane, executive director of the Foundation, present the sponsorship check to Ralph Smith, CMG's executive director. Smith is also shown with one of the 50 families who received a refurbished computer installed with the latest Microsoft software.

Welcome

Computer Mentors welcomes four new board members: Neil Armstrong, Eric Castillo, Dave Omlor and Clemmie Perry. We are grateful to them for making a commitment to make our organization even better tomorrow than it is today.

They celebrated those who had gone before them in the field of technology and those who are yet to come.

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Questions or comments? Email us at Mentors@computermentors.org or call (813) 236-1191

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