·          Classes that introduce children to programming through the use of  3-D animation.   Professor Wanda Dann, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at Ithaca College and one of the designers of the software, has generously agreed to provide access to the program and to train lab staff in its use.  

·          Instruction in the use of the Internet for homework, research and entertainment.

·          Classes for young single mothers, aged 16-25, designed to introduce career-oriented skills.  Staff from computer services at Cornell University have offered to develop a curriculum for the lab based on the University’s recent assessment of computer skills necessary at various job  levels.   In addition,   representatives from the Work to Welfare Program at the department of social services are included among the community partners.  They will provide valuable input about curriculum needs.

·          Activities for neighborhood teens.  We hope to involve youth from the community even before the computing center classes begin. We will draw on this group for paid and volunteer labor to help to get the center built. Teens will be involved in various aspects of construction that will not only help them feel a sense of ownership, but will teach them valuable skills as they join in with Cornell employees and students to construct and network the lab.

·          In addition to its educational benefits the lab will provide a safe place for structured activities.  We envision
that teens who participate in the classes can later serve as mentors and trainers for other children.

·          Classes for adults who are unemployed or working in low skill jobs.  These classes will vary according to the needs of the population being served.

In order to ensure the sustainability of the Southside Community Center Computer Laboratory and to avoid duplication of efforts, the Cornell-Ithaca Partnership is establishing a network with other community organizations in the city that provide computer access to underserved youth.   Through the Sciencenter the lab will be hooked up with a national network which serves to share resources and information about curriculum.  The expertise of the faculty and staff who are working with the Partnership will be available to other computer centers in the city that serve disadvantaged populations.

If you are interested in participating in any of these efforts or would like more information, please call or email
Dr. Patricia Pollak, pbp3@cornell.edu, 255-257 or Cili Shannon, cs48@cornell.edu, 255-1694