TECH CORPS Ohio

Read about TECH CORPS in latest issue of Cable in the Classroom

2009-04-14T15:24:00.002-04:00

Breathing Life into STEM:
Connecting science, technology, engineering, and math subjects to students’ lives makes the lessons real and the learning stick. Read more http://www.ciconline.org/cicmagazine-apr09

TECH CORPS Ohio selected as IT Martini Charity Partner

2009-03-29T12:42:00.002-04:00

TECH CORPS Ohio is pleased to announce it has been selected as the Charity Partner for the next IT Martini Hour 4!

Please join us, Thursday, April 9th at the Bar of Modern Art (BOMA) for IT Martini Hour 4.

Connect with Columbus IT Professionals, participate in an interactive panel discussion about "diversity" with Columbus IT Pros, explore innovative demos from Columbus-based start-ups and much more.

See you there!

To register for this event visit http://www.itmartini.com

Commissioners Award Community Partnership Funding to TECH CORPS Ohio

2009-02-19T17:04:00.001-05:00

During Tuesday's General Session meeting, Franklin County Commissioners approved a Community Partnership Grant for Tech Corps Ohio.
Tech Corps actively offers programs to young people in disadvantaged communities within Franklin County that foster science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, specifically education in information technology. Tech Corps Ohio prepares children for school and successful careers as adults.
The $30,000 in funding will provide after-school programs and summer activities to young people in disadvantaged communities within Franklin County. The programs will be designed to engage youth in information technology, increase their level of understanding and proficiency, and encourage further exploration of technology education and career pathways.
Tech Corp will also develop a website and portal which allows participants to build a virtual community in which they can communicate, share and collaborate in a safe, monitored space. The website portal will provide the necessary data to update and enhance program offerings as well as track students as they progress through Tech Corps Ohio and beyond.
"Our partnership with Tech Corps will ensure that many more of our students are prepared to seek the knowledge economy's tech jobs, which will increase by 67% in 2010," said Commissioner Paula Brooks. "Because jobs in the technical field are growing, we want our students in Franklin County to be equipped with those necessary technical skills."
"Engaging our children in educational activities that will make them better students and better employees in the future is critical to our society," said Commissioner Marilyn Brown. "Tech Corps offers these programs that will prepare them for success."
"Through the Tech Corps program, students of all ages will be able to expand their learning," said Commissioner John O'Grady. "Their programs allow students to work in the community and think about a future in a technical career."
Any parent or student interested in learning more about the Tech Corps programs should contact Tech Corps Ohio at 614.583.9211 or visit their website at www.techcorpsohio.org.

Summer Internships Needed!

2009-01-28T18:22:00.001-05:00

Dear TECH CORPS Friends:

This year, with support from the Mayor's Office of Education, TECH CORPS Ohio launched a new program called City Student TECH CORPS 2.0 (http://techcorpsohio.org/index.php/city-student-tech-corps-20).

This is an AMAZING group of 20 TECH CORPS students who are interested and committed to expanding their exploration of educational and career opportunities in the field of technology.

We believe the training the students receive during the school year, should be applied in a real-world setting during the summer. That is why we are asking local employers to hire and pay one or more of our students this summer ($8/hr x 30hr/wk x 10 weeks).

Please join us for an Informational Meeting to learn more about this program and how another local company has already successfully hired and managed TECH CORPS interns.

Informational Meeting
Wed., February 18th 4:30pm to 6:00pm
TECH CORPS Ohio Computer Lab
(Located in the Gateway Health and Wellness Center)
112 Jefferson Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43215

Please RSVP at your earliest convenience (want to make sure I have enough goodies!)

*(Please feel free to forward this info on to other employers that might have an interest.)

New TECH CORPS Program: City Student TECH CORPS 2.0

2008-12-09T20:33:00.002-05:00

City Student TECH CORPS 2.0 is an exciting new TECH CORPS Ohio (TCOH) program that offers City Student TECH CORPS graduates the opportunity to continue their exploration of educational and career opportunities in the field of technology.

The program offers students (14-18 years old) with 36 weeks of computer engineering and employment soft skills training. Tech-savvy instructors work in an informal education environment using TECH CORPS® curriculum to prepare students for Level II Technical Support Certification and to build their knowledge of IT educational and career pathways.

The TCOH/National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Jr. Chapter is also a component of this program. The Chapter introduces students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics educational and career pathways.

Students who successfully complete the program will be assisted in securing a 10-week paid summer internship where they can apply their newly acquired skills.

City Student TECH CORPS 2.0 is sponsored by the City of Columbus, Mayor's Office of Education.

To learn more about CSTC 2.0 contact Director of Programs, Aung Nay.

City Student TECH CORPS - 2008 Summer Internships

2008-07-06T12:57:00.005-04:00

On June 16th, 75 City Student TECH CORPS (CSTC) students - who successfully completed the 32-week computer and soft skills training - started their 10-week PAID summer internships!

These 75 students will spend their summer applying their newly acquired skills in a real-world setting.

TECH CORPS Ohio wishes to thank the following Columbus employers for hosting our students:

AJ Enrichment Center - Academy Kids Learning Center – American Electric Power - City of Columbus, Department of Technology, GTC-3, & Recreations and Parks - COSI - Dehan Enterprises - Franklin County Treasurer’s Office – Franklin University – HBCU Connect – Miles-McClellan – Nationwide - Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Ohio Historical Society - The Ohio House of Representatives - The Ohio State University – Peggy’s Monogramming – University Area Enrichment Association

We will continue to post pictures and excerpts from the Student's journals.

3GWIT Wraps Up with Celebration at DeSales ES

2008-05-09T18:57:00.004-04:00

Cincinnati, OH:

Women information technology (IT) professionals from Cintas and Fifth Third Bank pilot a multi-tier mentoring program for 11th grade girls from Mother of Mercy High School and St Ursula Academy, who will in turn mentor local 4th- 5th grade girls from Our Lady of Lourdes and DeSales elementary schools.
The INTERalliance of Greater Cincinnati and TECH CORPS Ohio joined forces to bring a unique new opportunity to 60 bright, young women and girls: 20 in 11th grade and 40 in 4th- 5th grades.
"Three Generations of Women in Technology" (or "3GWIT") is a pilot program that combines the "Girl TECH CORPS" program of TECH CORPS Ohio, with the corporate mentoring initiatives of the INTERalliance of Greater Cincinnati.
Check out the girls' projects at http://www.saintursula.org/library/

Summer Employer Host Sites Needed!

2008-04-17T09:21:00.002-04:00

Through a collaborative project with the City of Columbus Mayor’s Office of Education and TECH CORPS Ohio students from around Franklin County are learning technology skills to enrich their learning and prepare them for future employment in the field of technology.

City Student TECH CORPS is an innovative program funded by Franklin County Jobs and Family Services. This program provides students (ages: 14-18) with 32-weeks of computer skills readiness and employment soft skills training.

Students who successfully complete the program are assigned a 10-week paid summer job where they can apply the technology and soft skills they have learned in a real-world setting.

We need your help! Please get involved with the City Student TECH CORPS program by providing our students with a 10-week (June 16– August 22, 2008) technology-related work experience. Students will visit your site 30 hours each week and we ask that you provide them with the opportunity to apply the technology and soft skills they have learned in the program. City Student TECH CORPS will supplement the students’ salary at $7/hour. Therefore, there is NO COST to you!

The skills the students learn as a result of their participation in the City Student TECH CORPS program will have lifelong benefits. We ask that you partner with us to support your next generation of employees! Whether or not you are able to place one student or 10 - we need your support! Please email lisa@techcorpsohio.org or call us at 614-583-9211.

Thanks to all of our 2006-2007 Host Sites: AARP, Children’s Hospital, City of Columbus: Department of Technology, Columbus Division of Fire, Franklin County Treasurer’s Office, HAZ Technologies, Ohio Historical Society, The Ohio House of Representatives, The Ohio State University, Sophisticated Systems, Inc., Town and Country Animal Clinic and the Wexner Center.

City Student TECH CORPS Ambassadors Help Commissioners Kick Off National County Government Week

2008-04-09T16:44:00.007-04:00

April 8th, Franklin County kicked-off National County Government Week (NCGW) during which Commissioners were joined by ten students from area high schools at their weekly General Session meeting.
NCGW, sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo), was first celebrated in 1991 to raise public awareness and understanding about the roles and responsibilities of the nation’s counties. The theme for this year’s celebration of NCGW is “Protecting Our Children.”
“Our essential goal in Franklin County is providing help to children and families in need,” Board President Marilyn Brown stated. “National County Government Week creates awareness of the vital services offered through the county.”
“It is fitting that this year’s theme is ‘Protecting our Children’,” said Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy. “From ensuring that families have access to affordable health care to building partnerships that support education, especially science, technology, engineering and mathematical education, to recruiting and retaining good jobs for our youth as they become adults, county government plays a huge role in the lives of children.”
Commissioners honored the students with certificates for participating in National County Government Week. Several students who were involved in the county funded City Student TECH CORPS program spoke to the Commissioners about the positive impact the program had on their lives. The students also attended a reception and tour of the county courthouse.

City Student TECH CORPS Ambassadors spent time with County Treasurer Ed Leonard, County Sherriff Jim Karnes, County Engineer Dean Ringle and Judge Tim Horton.

The Session can be viewed on the Government Television Channel 3 (GTC-3). General Sessions are broadcast each Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 10 a.m., Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Monday at 12 noon.

City Student TECH CORPS Names 2007-2008 Youth Ambassadors

2008-04-04T09:48:00.007-04:00

The City Student TECH CORPS Youth Ambassadors are students that participate in the City Student TECH CORPS program and were identified for outstanding improvement or achievement.

2007-2008 City Student TECH CORPS Ambassadors
Shayla Birtcher, West HS, Tanisha Coffee, Briggs HS, Malcolm Dawson, Eastmoor Academy, Sheron Edmonds, Horizon Academy, Nakita Likely, Columbus Virtual HS, Kateresa Lee, Eastmoor Academy, Mikal Leggon, Northland HS, Mohamed Ndiaye, Independence HS and Jordan Sellers, Columbus Alternative HS

Each year, TECH CORPS Ohio staff and instructors select no more than 10 students to serve as City Student TECH CORPS Youth Ambassadors. Students must meet the following criteria to be considered:
· 90% attendance at the City Student TECH CORPS program
· Achieved 80% or higher on City Student TECH CORPS Certification test
· Received a City Student TECH CORPS instructor recommendation
· Clearly express in a 300 word essay “Why I will be a great City Student TECH CORPS Ambassador”

City Student TECH CORPS Youth Ambassadors are involved in numerous activities that create public awareness of the City Student TECH CORPS program. Past opportunities have included:
· Representing City Student TECH CORPS at Columbus City Council and Columbus City Schools Board Meeting;
· Representing City Student TECH CORPS at important TECH CORPS events;
· Serving as a City Student TECH CORPS program spokesperson to the media;
· Leading peer activities;
· Youth Ambassadors also receive preferred placement in the Summer Internship Program.

Youth Ambassadors for City Student TECH CORPS will be introduced to the public during TECH CORPS Ohio’s Annual Fundraiser, TECHNight 6.0 which takes place Thursday May 8, 2008. The Ambassadors will make a pledge to take full advantage of opportunities to enhance their knowledge and understanding of technology and use their talents, energies and resources to represent their peers at programs sponsored by TECH CORPS Ohio and other City Student TECH CORPS collaborative partners.

City Student TECH CORPS is an innovative program developed by TECH CORPS Ohio and the City of Columbus, Mayor’s Office of Education. This program provides 100 students with 32 weeks of computer and employment soft skills training. Tech-savvy instructors work in an informal education environment using the Student TECH CORPS® curriculum (http://www.studenttechcorps.org/) to prepare students for Level I Technical Support Certification and to build their knowledge of Information Technology educational and career pathways. Students who successfully complete the program are assigned a 10-week paid summer internship where they can apply their newly acquired skills in a real-world setting; making the training authentic.
Funding for City Student TECH CORPS is from Franklin County Board of Commissioners and administered by the FCDJFS

City Student TECH CORPS - 1st Quarter Super Stars!!!!

2008-01-18T20:36:00.000-05:00

Well the results are in... and I am sooo proud of so many of our students. This year, we decided to infuse the program with a few more competitions. So here are some of the results from the first three months of the City Student TECH CORPS Program.

TOP 10 Certification Test Scores:
Class Night
First Name Last Name - Test Score (out of 50)

Wednesday
Travis McDonald-49

Tuesday

Tramell Johnson-49

Wednesday
Shaquila Coston-49
Wednesday
Aricka Williams-49
Thursday
Essence Johnson-49

Wednesday
Alexus Swidecki-49
Thursday
Antoinette Kelley-49

Thursday
Trey Banks-48

Thursday
Erick Hudson-48
Thursday
Gamaal Kelley-48

Students also win points for perfect attendance, participating in professional dress day, report cards, technology competitions...

TOP 10 Overall CSTC Points:
Class Night
First Name Last Name - Total Points (out of 115)

Wednesday
Travis McDonald-104
Wednesday
Anneshia Robinson-102
Tuesday
Davon Woodley-102

Wednesday
Malcolm Dawson-101
Tuesday
Rashaan Woodley-100
Thursday
Rian Jones-99

Thursday
Mohamed Ndiaye-99
Thursday
Albane Marshall-98

Monday
Chelsey Schwalbauch-98

Thursday
Del-Vaunte Scott-98

I want to thank Joanie at Allied Advertising for rewarding our Top 10 students with movie passes to "How She Move."

And finally, our Instructors and Staff selected the Wednesday Night class to receive a special treat - based on their class' overall test scores, attendance and ATTITUDE - they received a fully catered meal from City Bar-B-Que! Thanks so much to Robin and our other friends at City Bar-B-Que for donating a VERY GOOD dinner!

Sorry for bustin' you out Quentin - I couldn't resist!

It was finger-lickin' good!

Thanks Again City Bar-B-Que!!!!

Congrats to all of our CSTC Students - Continue to reach higher!!!

See ya soon,

Ms. Lisa!

City Student TECH CORPS - the best year ever?

2007-12-04T12:14:00.000-05:00

I know it has been awhile since my last post - I have been BUSY, more on that to come...

Today, I want to focus on our 2007-2008 City Student TECH CORPS Program. This program provides 100 students with 32 weeks of computer and employment soft skills training. Tech-savvy instructors work in an informal education environment using the Student TECH CORPS® curriculum (http://www.studenttechcorps.org/) to prepare students for Level I Technical Support Certification and to build their knowledge of Information Technology educational and career pathways. Students who successfully complete the program are assigned a 10-week paid summer internship where they can apply their newly acquired skills in a real-world setting; making the training authentic.

Each year, I am so impressed by Columbus' young people and especially the ones who are willing to stand in line for hours to get into this program. I am very excited about this year's class of students - they seem committed, inquisitive and fun-loving. And although I say this every year, they seem like they are going to be our best CSTC class ever!

A few facts about this year's class:

100 students representing 7 Franklin County School Districts, 1 Private School and 4 Charter Schools;

79% of our students are Columbus City School district students;

A majority of our students are in the 9th Grade;

9: 8th graders -- 41: 9th graders -- 36: 10th graders and 2: 12th graders

59% of our students are female.

A few new compenents of our City Student TECH CORPS program include:

Professional image consulting and presentation skills;
Financial management workshop;
College and financial aid information;
Career Fair with area employers;

Also new this year, during the last week of each month, students are required to come to class in professional work attire. Here are just a few pictures of some of our "Dressed to Impress" students...

Tuesday Class

Wednesday Class

Thursday Class

I am going to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to the Wednesday night class! I do believe they take the November Award for Best Dressed Class!

Stay tuned for future SHOUT OUTS!

Ms. Lisa

This innovative program developed by TECH CORPS Ohio and the City of Columbus, Mayor’s Office of Education is funded by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and administered by the FCDJFS.

2007-08-31T13:23:00.000-04:00

City Student TECH CORPS is looking for a few good students!

Do you like computers? Are you 14 – 18 years old? Do you live in Franklin County? If you answered “Yes” City Student TECH CORPS is looking for you!!!!

City Student TECH CORPS®, a collaborative project with the City of Columbus Mayor’s Office of Education and TECH CORPS Ohio, provides 100 Franklin County students with 32-weeks of basic technology and soft skills training.

Students who successfully complete the program receive $250 and receive a 10-week summer job (30 hours a week at $7.00/hour) where they can apply the skills they have acquired.

So how do you join City Student TECH CORPS?

Open Registration will be held ONE DAY ONLY!!!! 100 Youth will be registered on a FIRST COME, FIRST REGISTERED BASIS

Wednesday, September 12th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 639 East Long Street

Registration Details:
- Students must be TANF eligible and you must bring proof to register (Copy of Free and/or Reduced Lunch eligibility letter, Ohio Works First Proof of Income (from case manager), proof of income from past 30 days).

- Students and Parents must have Social Security Numbers and you must bring them to register!

- Students must be accompanied by their parent or guardian to register. Parent’s/Guardian’s signature is required.

- Things to bring: student and parent’s social security numbers and proof of TANF eligibility!!!

Program Details:
- Classes start the week of October 1, 2007 and run through June 12, 2008.
- Students attend class just ONE NIGHT per week from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, Monday – Thursday.
- Students will be assigned class night during registration.
- Classes will be held at St. Paul A.M.E. Health and Wellness Center, 639 E. Long Street.
- Students will use the Student TECH CORPS® online training and cover hardware repair, operating systems, software applications, networking, computer peripherals and job-readiness skills (http://www.studenttechcorps.org/).
- Students, who successfully complete the program, by attending at least 90% of the classes and scoring at least 80% of two certification tests, will receive $250.00 completion bonus and a summer job.
- For more information call the City Student TECH CORPS Hotline at 614-645-6593.

Funding for City Student TECH CORPS is from Franklin County Board of Commissioners and administered by the FCDJFS

2007-08-31T13:01:00.000-04:00

City Student TECH CORPS
Frequently Asked Questions:

What determines my eligibility for this program?
1. Student must live in Franklin County.
2. Student must be between 14 – 18 years of age at time of registration.
3. Student must be TANF eligible or a member of a family that is TANF eligible.

What is TANF?
TANF or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families also OWF or Ohio Works First is any type of assistance or benefits received from the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services.

How do I verify my TANF Eligibility?
The easiest way to prove your TANF eligibility for this program is to bring a copy of the letter from your school district that states you are eligible for Free/Reduced lunch. If you have not received the letter from your school district – you can request a copy from your school office. Applications for eligibility are NOT an acceptable form of proof.

You can also verify your TANF Eligibility if you receive or are a member of a family that receives Ohio Works First (OWF) cash payments. To verify bring copies of at least one of the following:
o OWF – Proof of Income (can request from the case manager)
o Benefits award letter or copy of OWF check
o Copy of work/training/education schedule
§ This individual needs to have eligibility determined based upon household income
o Paycheck stubs from last 30 days (four weeks)
o Letter from employer on letterhead or statement with company stamp detailing the customer’s gross income for the last 30 days
o Child Support Court Order — printout from child support or pay slips
o Benefits award letter or copy of check
o Self-employed – copy of last income tax statement divided by 12 to calculate the last 30 days of income. If recently self-employed and has not filed taxes, then use official records or bookkeeper’s name and phone number.
o Rental Income (statement from tenant or lease agreement)
o Zero Income—attach a statement from applicant documenting other mean of support including name, address, and phone number of the individual providing support to the family.

What will students learn and experience in the City Student TECH CORPS program?
City Student TECH CORPS is an innovative program developed by TECH CORPS Ohio and the City of Columbus, Mayor’s Office of Education. This program provides 100 students with 32 weeks of computer and employment soft skills training. Tech-savvy instructors work in an informal education environment using the Student TECH CORPS® curriculum (www.studenttechcorps.org) to prepare students for Level I Technical Support Certification and to build their knowledge of Information Technology educational and career pathways. Students who successfully complete the program are assigned a 10-week paid summer internship where they can apply their newly acquired skills in a real-world setting; making the training authentic.

Other components of the program include: team-building and leadership skills; professional image consulting; financial management workshop; college and financial aid information; professional presentation skills; career exploration activities and an opportunity to participate in the TECH CORPS Ohio/NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) Jr. Chapter.

What is expected of City Student TECH CORPS students?
City Student TECH CORPS students are held to a high standard and we have adopted a policy of “zero tolerance” for violent, disruptive and inappropriate behavior. This program is an OPPORTUNITY, not a requirement – a PRIVILEGE, not a handout. We are working to prepare and train these students for employment and experiences in some of Columbus’ most well-known and respect companies. At the very least, City Student TECH CORPS students are expected to:
- Arrive on time and stay through the completion of class.
- Maintain a positive and respectful attitude toward the staff and their peers.
- Come ready to learn and be engaged in the program.
- Attend 90% of the program (Student can have more than three (3) excused or unexcused absences from the program. Any missed days after that will result in expulsion from the program.

Why are students removed from the program if they have more than three (3) excused absences?
The funder for this program REQUIRES that students attend miss no more than 3 days of class. If students do not attend at least 90% of the program, they will NOT receive the $250 completion bonus and they will NOT be eligible for summer employment.

Who are some of the employers that have hosted City Student TECH CORPS students?
AARP, Children’s Hospital, City of Columbus: Department of Technology, Columbus Division of Fire, Columbus Public Schools, Franklin County Treasurer’s Office, HAZ Technologies, Ohio Historical Society, The Ohio House of Representatives, The Ohio State University, Sophisticated Systems, Inc., and the Wexner Center.

What if I am not TANF Eligible?
You can not participate in City Student TECH CORPS but you should contact TECH CORPS Ohio. There may be other programs they offer that may not require TANF eligibility for participation.

City Student TECH CORPS Collaborative Partners:
The City of Columbus Mayor’s Office of Education is an initiative of Mayor Michael B. Coleman. The purpose of the Office of Education is to improve the quality of life in Columbus by:
- Extending and enhancing both educational and developmental opportunities for all citizens of Columbus
- Implementing community-based solutions to support educating children at school to make significant gains in educational achievement

TECH CORPS Ohio is a nonprofit organization that strives for a technologically literate society in which all K-12 students have equal access to the technology programs, resources and skills that will enrich their education and allow them to compete successfully in the global workforce. Student TECH CORPS is a TECH CORPS® National program that delivers core technology training and certification and is designed specifically for middle and high school students. TECH CORPS Ohio works with schools, organizations around the state. For more information about TECH CORPS Ohio go to www.techcorpsohio.org.

Funding for City Student TECH CORPS is from Franklin County Board of Commissioners and administered by the FCDJFS

July 10th Team Building Activities

2007-07-16T10:28:00.000-04:00

July 10th, I had the privilege and pleasure of working with the students in the TECH CORPS Ohio/Lead the Way Summer IT Camp. Prior to this time, I had been experiencing a serious case of "writer's bloc" -- I had many projects that required my attention but I lacked the inspiration needed to complete the projects in the way I desired. After spending the morning with these young people - I returned to the office for what ended up being a highly productive afternoon. I want to thank the students again for allowing me to spend time with them and to feed off of their positive energy! Here are some photos from our day together - enjoy!

Ms. Lisa

And the Winner is....

"Team UnCommon"

Unfortunately we did not get a picture of their winning structure :-(

This one did not win, obviously!, but I had to post it anyway :-)

Compliments of "Team ?" (No, I did not forget -- this was their team name) formerly known as the "Lead the Way Boyz"

My First Post

2007-07-01T20:33:00.001-04:00

Ok, here goes... after spending almost an hour setting up the design of my blog - I am finally ready to share a little.
This summer, TECH CORPS Ohio is partnering with Lead the Way to host its first ever Summer IT Work Camp. There are 30 students from around Franklin County enrolled in the program. The students are 14 to 18 years old and they attend work camp Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 12:30pm. We have hired two terrific instructors: Ms. Nneka and Mr. Drew! They are absolutely great with our students (and I think the students think so too!) The students will learn about software engineering, computer programming, informatics, as well as job readiness skills. Each day the students spend one hour receiving math and reading tutoring and did I mention that these students are also paid for their time? This is a pretty cool program and I am pleased with how things have gone to this point.
The students are blogging each day about their experiences and next week they will setup their Avatars in Second Life. Well my other work calls, so see ya lata' alligata'!