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The
Successful Story Of A Local Community
Initiative
Coping
with the recession: new visions, plans
and strategies
The Mattapan/
Greater Boston Technology Learning
Center (MGBTLC) is a non-profit
vocational school that focuses on
providing free hands-on training in
computer related certificate programs.
Students are given the opportunity to
build their skills in basic computers,
Microsoft Office, web design, database
management, PC repair, networking,
information technology and project
management. Last year alone, the MGBTLC
trained 500 technicians.
The students come from all ages
and ethnic backgrounds.
A
few years ago, Jacques and Karrie Ann
Jean created this initiative on the
first floor of their two-family home to
offer another alternative to those who
want to change or start a new career in
computer technology or simply learn how
to use a computer.
The project has expanded without
government funding to become an icon in
Greater Boston where many young people,
adults and senior citizens come to learn
new technology.
This year the school is planning
to recruit 600 new students, giving the
opportunity to anyone who has the desire
to earn a professional certificate and
increase their chances of a better
livelihood.
With the economy
sliding in the midst of an economic
crisis, students and concerned citizens
have become worried about the future of
the school. This weekend, during a
church gathering, Jacques and Karrie Ann
Jean unveiled a detailed strategic plan
to ensure the community that amid the
recession, the school will continue to
provide the same type of training and
career services that have put so many
people back to work. That plan includes
new management practices, a reduced
budget, the creation of a volunteer team
and an aggressive fundraising program.
This year’s budget has deflated
to only $125,000 that according to the
new plan will still give the school the
capacity to train more than 600 people,
less than $250 per student.
Fifty percent of the budget is
expected to come from student
registration and lab fees, totaling on
average $75 per student.
The school expects to raise the
other 50% through private donation and
corporate sponsorship.
The school
administration is inviting everyone to
become part of this wonderful project
and act now to save the initiative by
making a donation, donating your used
computer equipment or by becoming a
volunteer.
For more information about
the school, or to sponsor a
student, visit their web site at www.towncomputer.com/trainingcenter.htm,
call (617) 298-0357 or stop by their
office at 24 Regis Road in Mattapan, MA
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