The “Even-It-Up!” Program of the ETSU Community Partnership Center has worked successfully with 14 to 19 year old teens by providing training that allows them to compete more successfully with their peers in the world of computer technology.  Not only does this program educate at-risk youth, it has successfully provided the students an alternative to undesirable activities that promote long-term failure witnessed in the past of youth within this age bracket.  Students discover they can learn the same computer skills of their peers who have access to computers and technology.  In addition to learning computer concepts, they experience what it is like to start and complete a project by assembling a new personal computer.  Other than the intangible benefits of learning marketable computer skills, they can build their own personal computer and keep it as a way of insuring they have the same chance to succeed in the ever-changing high tech world while gaining skills that are beneficial for future job assurance.

With the program’s technique of allowing participants to take their completed project home, the “build it and keep it” concept gives students access to the World Wide Web and other productivity and educational programs 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.  Unlimited connection to the Internet provides users with ways to search for new job opportunities nationally, as well as market their own business, which is an idea several graduates have expressed an interest.  The program uniquely combines technology education with delinquency prevention to help narrow and close the digital divide witnessed in underprivileged areas of our region, as well as across the entire nation.  This innovative method to web access is not found in other programs around the region or the nation.  Indeed, the program’s original and creative approach and high success rate with underprivileged youth quickly captured the attention of the Tennessee Families First Program, leading to initial funding for the project.

 

For more information, contact Flora Craig at (423) 232-5536 or E-Mail

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