From the Director

Dear Friends,

Thank you all for your past support that has allowed CMG to do this wonderful work of providing self-improvement training and technology to underrepresented populations. Last year we were able to provide 552 people with training and almost 400 people received computers from our programs.

Currently CMG is at a huge crossroad. We have a new e-learning product which will allow us to expand our reach, and, through the help of DLA Piper law firm, we are also developing a mechanism by which we can develop Computer Mentors chapters across the state and country. In fact we have a new chapter running in St. Petersburg and have an application from a group in St. Louis to open a chapter there.

The only thing standing in our way right now is a simple lack of financial resources. That’s why I'd like to use this message to ask you for your financial support. I think you'll agree that we get a big bang for each buck so you can rest assured that your tax-deductible donation will go a long way toward assisting us with our mission of providing computers and training. You can donate online by using the "Donate Now" button below or send your check to: Computer Mentors Group, P. O. Box 11966, Tampa, FL 33680.

And thank you once again for your support.

Sincerely,

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

Student Profile: Keion Whitening

Keion is one of our more ambitious students. This 17 year-older has been an active participant at CMG for the last two years. He was introduced to CMG by his father, Mr. Ulysees Whitening. After Mr. Whitening read an article on CMG in the Florida Sentinel, he convinced Keion to dedicate one night per week to CMG computer training. Keion is thankful for his father’s foresight.

Keion was awarded his Certiport IC3 certificate in December, 2006. This certificate is awarded when the student passes tests on basis computer hardware and software knowledge. He is now a student in our Wednesday night Comp TIA A+ class. Keion is approximately six months away from attempting to pass this advanced professional technical certification test. If he and his fellow A+ students continue their steady technical progress, Keion has a high probability of being one of the few that pass this test on their first attempt.

CMG student, Keion Whitening

During the 2007 summer, Keion worked as a CMG Summer Intern. He was responsible for rebuilding the donated computer, and for loading the Microsoft software to each computer. He showed an aptitude for this type position.

Keion is an eleventh grade student at Tampa Bay Technical High School. His major is Auto Mechanics. Keion feels that his CMG computer training will enable him to advance more quickly in the auto maintenance field. He plans to do post-secondary studies at Hillsborough Community College or Brewster Technical School. His short-term goal is to have his own car to tinker with it by this summer.

CMG is proud to have Keion as one of its long-term students.

CMG – Black Family Technical Awareness Activities

Overview

As usual, CMG was a very active participant in February Black Family activities. We played a major coordination role in some programs, and just supplied computers for program raffles in other instances. Other organizations know that the possibility of winning a CMG computer is a major boost to the program attendance.

Listed below are the most significant CMG coordinated or attended February, 2008 Black History Month activities.

CMG ST. PETERSBURG BFTA PROGRAM – FEBRUARY 11, 2008

CMG St. Petersburg held its first Black Family Technology Awareness Program this year. Camille Williams, Executive Director of the CMG St. Petersburg facility, planed the program, invited the community, and served as the evening’s hostess. All students from the teen IC3 program, their families and friends attended. Many people, who were not able to attend last month’s open house, showed-up and enjoyed the comradeship.

Ralph Smith (CMG Hillsborough Executive Director), John Corsell (CMG Hillsborough Program Director) and Christian Silva (CMG Hillsborough Program Manager), attended and supported Ms. Williams’ efforts

By popular request the presentation on Internet Safety was given twice. We thank Omar Schwanzer (Cyknight, Inc.) for his excellent, informative presentation. Ms. Williams stated that she will schedule more programs on home personal computers in the near future.

The attendees were especially enthused about the raffle of seven computers.

EAST TAMPA BFTA PROGRAM - February 12, 2008

The NFL Youth Education Town Center hosted a Black Family Technology Awareness Program at its 3310 E. Lake Ave, facility on Tuesday February 12, 2008. You should take the opportunity to visit this large, beautiful, and very functional community building. Harold Hart, Executive Director, would welcome your interest its programs for the local youth.

CMG provided the overall coordination, refreshments, and door prizes for this family-oriented program. As usual, IBM provided personnel to assist. They were Karen Buford and Carl Laury. Also, CMG raffled off five computers to the attendees.

Very informative breakout sessions were provided by local technical professionals. CMG and all attendees appreciate the many hours that the presenters gave of their time to prepare for this program. The audience in all sessions asked many questions of the presenters. The presenters were Eric Leonard (Microsoft) – Internet Safety, Jim Truitt (Tampa Bay Tech) – Home Networking, and John Grillo (Middleton High) – PC Maintenance. More programs, such as this, are needed to bridge the Digital Divide.

At the program conclusion, CMG raffled off five computers. For the winners this was a perfect night. They have a free computer, a significant amount of new information on the home PC environment.

NORTH TAMPA BFTA PROGRAM - February 21, 2008

Another Black Family Technology Awareness Program was held for the people of North Tampa on Thursday February 21, 2008. The new Bowers-Whitley High School hosted this program. The turnout of over 200 people was excellent for a weekday night. The outstanding coordination, publicity, and refreshments by IBM was primarily responsible for this crowd. Again, Karen Buford and Carl Laury provided the leadership for the IBM contingent.

The Bowers-Whitley principal, Dr. Anthony Colucci, welcomed us. He stated that his school provides career preparation for any age 16+ youth who are not succeeding academically in the comprehensive high schools. Exposure to computer-based fields is included in the school’s curriculum. The School District of Hillsborough County should be applauded for providing this alternative career path for at-risk youth.

Ralph Smith presents winner certificate at CMG's Black Awareness North Tampa BFTA

Several breakout sessions were held. Our CMG Executive Director, Ralph Smith, manned the table containing material on our programs. Also, again CMG was the hit of the evening with its raffle of seven computers at the program conclusion.