[YL] Seattle CTCs receive $377,000 for Youth Programming

[Delia Burke]

NEWS ADVISORY
 
SUBJECT:   Youth Programming at RecTech Community Technology Centers
Receives Support from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   
6/13/2006  2:25:00 PM FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: 
Christina Arcidy, 206-233-7017 christina.arcidy at seattle.gov 
David Takami  (206) 684-8020  

Youth Programming at RecTech Community Technology Centers 
Receives Support from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Seven Community Technology Centers Help Local Teens Keep Learning After
School

The Associated Recreation Council (ARC), a nonprofit partner of Seattle
Parks and Recreation, is excited to announce a $377,000 grant from the
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support technology programming for
middle and high school students in Seattle.

Starting in September, seven of ARC's RecTech Community Technology
Centers (CTCs) within Seattle Parks and Recreation Community Centers
will deliver computer-based recreational programming to support the
academic success of teenagers. "The programs we offer give youth the
opportunity to use a variety of academic enrichment and technology
programs," said Young Pham, Lab Coordinator at Rainier Beach Community
Center. "By reaching teens in their neighborhood, we bring learning to
students at a place much closer to home."

Lupe Hefa, a participant at Rainier Beach's CTC, said, "The lab feels
like home to me, and I feel comfortable when I'm here. The Internet is
always reliable, I can check my email, do my homework, and the friendly
staff helps."

ARC has partnered with Seattle Public School's Community Learning
Centers, operated by Seattle Parks and Recreation and YMCA of Greater
Seattle, and Fremont Public Association's JustServe AmeriCorps Team to
offer the community program. 

"The partnership between ARC and Parks has been a great success," said
Ken Bounds, Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation. "Expanded
programs at the Community Technology Centers are an excellent example of
how we can build on that current success."

"This support represents a vote of confidence from the Gates Foundation
on the community technology model we've developed for collaborating with
families, neighborhood agencies, and the school district to help our
students achieve success," said Bill Keller, Executive Director of the
Associated Recreation Council. "Our success will directly benefit
thousands of youth and community members." 

Future support will help fund programs essential to bridging the
digital divide, including those that offer technology access and courses
for low-income residents, after school technology programs that serve
all grades and workforce development programs for youth and community
members. 

RecTech  Community Technology Center's mission is to provide programs
that effectively utilize technology for education, recreation and
community services for children, youth, adults, and neighborhoods. More
information is available at
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/labs.htm 

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation works to reduce inequities and improve lives
around the world. In developing countries, it focuses on improving
health, reducing extreme poverty, and increasing access to technology in
public libraries. In the United States, the foundation seeks to ensure
that all people have access to a great education and to technology in
public libraries. In its local region, it focuses on improving the lives
of low-income families. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO
Patty Stonesifer and Co-chairs William H. Gates Sr., Bill Gates, and
Melinda French Gates. More information is available at
www.gatesfoundation.org.



Delia Burke 
Technology Matching Fund Manager
Community Technology Program
City of Seattle Department of Information Technology
PO Box 94709
Seattle, WA  98124-4709
(206) 233-2751