HARLEM PARTNERSHIP CENTER (HPC) AND RESIDENTS EMPOWERED FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (RECDA) UNVEIL NEW WEAPON TO COMBAT THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN HARLEM Ground Breaking After-School Mobile Computer Program Focuses On Academic Enrichment via Math

(PRWEB) November 8, 2002

Harlem, New York – November 6, 2002: Starting today, some of Harlem’s youngest residents will begin participating in a new after-school program that will expose them to state of the art computers and free computer training courtesy of the Harlem Partnership Center (HPC) in conjunction with Residents Empowered for Community Development Association, Inc. (RECDA). Opening today in East Harlem, the after-school mobile computer program will be open to 85 students in grades 4-7 who live in the area.

The program is comprised of two specific components. The first component Money Mania will provide math enrichment via activities focused on stocks, banking and entrepreneurial skills. The second component, Poetry on Point focuses on literacy based poetry and will feature a creative writing project that helps students give their words life. Each student participant will have the option to choose either component as part of their curriculum.

A Community Wide Effort

Members of RECDA, Inc. mobilized to create a program that would provide benefit to younger members of the housing complex, many of whom come from low income families. RECDA, Inc. is comprised of residents from 1775, Alice Korenegay, Marion Scott and Tricham Houses in East Harlem. When approached about the concept, Eugene Williams, C.E.O. of the HPC welcomed the notion. “As soon as I heard the proposal, I was immediately won over. Here at the partnership, we believe in the importance of education as a foundation for business and technology. What better way to push that mission than to begin with our youth? HPC is pleased to be a part of this noble effort.” To assist the residents in their effort, HPC is securing funding for the program and will provide trained staff including Board of Education certified teachers to serve as facilitators.

Considered to be a pilot program in HUD assisted housing developments, HPC hopes to model similar programs throughout New York’s housing communities. Based on the success of the after-school program in community district #6, HPC anticipates continued program excellence. The East Harlem program is based at a site located on 126th street and will serve 85 children in grades 4-7. Each child will be trained on mobile Toshiba laptops donated by the Beaumont Foundation. Each laptop is Internet ready and features wireless modems. Beginning in November the program is expected to run until June of 2003.

About Harlem Partnership Center (HPC)

Harlem Partnership Center, Inc. is a private not-for-profit 501©3 organization that was established to provide technology and business services to Upper Manhattan communities. Established in 1995, HPC addresses a wide range of urban concerns, including economic development, information technology, education and training. HPC is also a multi-service business consulting and technology solutions organization that serves individuals and businesses. HPC is Harlem’s only facility offering custom built computer sales and services.

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For more information contact:

Tinnycua Williams

Renaissance Woman Enterprises

212-283-7122 - telephone

Tinnycua@aol.com – email

http://www.harlempc.org