Cincinnati creates IT Village Youth Labs with Dell Computers and Uptown Consortium

In the 21st century, it takes not just a village, but an IT Village to raise a child. So the City of Cincinnati is partners with Dell Inc. and the Uptown Consortium to help youth prepare for tomorrow’s jobs, launching two “I.T. Village” Youth Labs so 20 students between 12 and 18 can take a six-week computer skills course. They'll be learning how to use geographical information systems; the safe use of online worlds to learn and collaborate; financial management; building and repairing a computer; and software programs such as Excel and Word.
 
Dell has donated a computer, a one-year Internet subscription and other technology accessories to every student who completes the program. "The City’s larger strategy to increase job opportunities has to include opportunities for workforce development," says City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr.  The program, he says, "is a small way we can use our resources to help young people be ready for those jobs."

writer: David Holthaus
Source: Meg Olberding, City of Cincinnati