Houston Technology Center seeks to bridge digital divide
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The Houston
Technology Center (HTC) has made a home for more than $285,000 worth of computer equipment
and office furniture donated by the Hewlett-Packard Company. The donated equipment will be
a key factor in the start-up of HTC’s new educational collaboration, the
“TEC-Bridge.”
The program will create pathways into the new information economy by providing
technology and interpersonal skills training that is business-driven, results in workforce
employment and enhances economic opportunities for underemployed workers.
Potential graduates must meet certain requirements to be considered for the program,
including be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, proof of
citizenship and preferably but not exclusively, residency in Midtown or a surrounding
Economic Enterprise Community (EEC).
Paul Frison, president and CEO of HTC, said, “It is very critical to Houston’s
future that we work to bridge the digital divide, and the donation from Hewlett-Packard
enables HTC to offer technology training to Houston’s underserved communities.”
Hewlett-Packard has provided HTC with all servers, computers and back end equipment
needed to support the computer training facility, including several projectors, 12 hard
drives, 62 flat panel monitors, 77 convertible minitowers and installation assistance. The
50-station computer lab can be divided into two separate training labs that accommodate 25
students each and is being built to support future capabilities, including
teleconferencing and videoconferencing for distance learning.
HP also donated office furniture to support HTC's business acceleration processes. HP
donated such items as a podium, filing cabinets, computer tables, storage cabinets, typing
stands, workstations and conference room tables. For more information, visit
www.houstontech.org. |
