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Secure $30,000 for "Digital Youth 2005 Certification"
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno and Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino today announced that they have each secured $15,000 for the NY Wired for Education program called "Digital Youth 2005 Certification." The program, which began earlier this week, trains 30 high school students in the Enlarged City School District of Troy and the Lansingburgh Central School District in an innovative job-readiness training program called "Digital Afternoons."
"This program will help them get a head start in a high-tech work environment and help build their skills and values," said Senator Bruno. "Assisting these students in developing strengths in the business world is an invaluable tool they can use to pursue a successful life. When they graduate from the program, the students will be given the opportunity to practice their skills in a real workplace environment in Rensselaer County. We are delighted to be able to work with NY Wired for Education to continue supporting the future of New York State."
"Digital Afternoons is an innovative program that sets the stage for readying our youth of today for the vocational challenges of tomorrow," said Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino. "It is imperative that Rensselaer County youth take their rightful place in the competitive job environment of high technology. This program assures that our youth are at the forefront of advancement as they build their careers for the future."
"The �Digital Youth� program focuses on educating and enriching the lives of high school aged students," said Brian Lee, CEO of NY Wired for Education. "With funding from Senator Bruno, we were able to offer this opportunity to fifteen students of low income families last year and it has been a great success. With Senator Bruno�s continued support and support from County Executive Kathy Jimino, we can provide the same opportunity to 30 students this year. I am eager to get them started on their way to summer employment and begin building a positive path for their future."
Students enrolled in this new after-school program learn business etiquette, general job readiness and computer software skills through on-line courses. During the summer months, the youth will be placed in paid internships at area businesses through the Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce in which they can apply their newly acquired skills.
Interns from RPI will be paid to assist the students in the after-school classes that meet twice a week to take on-line courses ranging from the basics of learning and dealing with difficult people in the workplace, to the basics of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. The students who successfully complete 10 on-line courses will be given a "Digital Youth Certification Card" at a graduation ceremony in May and the opportunity to work with Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce member businesses.
The program, which began Monday, January 10th, is sponsored by the Rensselaer County Department of Employment and Training and NY Wired for Education. It is made possible through the funding secured by Senator Bruno and County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino, as well as funds from the Workforce Investment Act.
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