A Model Document Access for Youth: The Dallas Computer Literacy Project (page 2 of 2)

Free Computer Classes

In conjunction with our community partners, the DCLP assists in offering free computer classes at established Community Computing Centers and some Neighborhood Computer Labs. Unfortunately demand for volunteer teachers far exceeds the supply; however, the DCLP refers volunteer instructors to affiliated organizations as they become available.

Volunteer instructors with the DCLP are currently teaching free computer classes at three locations: the Dallas County Community Action's Computer Training Center, Daniel "Chappie" James Learning Center and at Colonial Learning Center. Colonial and Daniel "Chappie" James Learning Centers are two DISD grade schools with modern computer labs. They have allowed DCLP instructors to teach FREE computer classes at their schools after the school day ends 3 days a week to teachers and local residents. The DCLP has been working with the Dallas County Community Action Committee for one year now collaborating to bring free computer literacy training to residents of South Dallas. Almost 1000 people have received training through this joint program.

North Texas Free-Net

The North Texas Free-Net (NTFN) is establishing a large, public digital library with a variety of community, educational, health and cultural information available to all citizens. The DCLP makes this information available through its network of Community Computing Centers and Neighborhood Computer Labs to those citizens unable to afford a computer or the training to use one. The DCLP and NTFN collaborate closely on their many complementary activities. These two organizations are helping to build the public computing infrastructure for North Texas.

Community Partners

Conceptually speaking, the DCLP can best be described as a nonprofit "enhancer". The mission of DCLP is maximized when we partner with other nonprofits and churches to provide enhanced educational opportunities through technology. Local supporters of our mission include the North Texas Free-Net, North Texas PC Users Group, Apple Corp. of Dallas, Daniel "Chappie" James Learning Center, Colonial Learning Center, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Dallas County Community Action Committee, St. Philip's Episcopal School, Trinity River Mission, Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, Park South YMCA, Holmes Street Adolescent Center, Maple Avenue Development Corporation, Oaklawn United Methodist Church, Oak Cliff United Methodist Church, the Wesley Rankin Center, the Trinity River Mission, the Denton Literacy Program and others.

• Since its inception in September of 1992, the DCLP and its community partners have produced the following accomplishments:

• Almost 1000 students have taken FREE computer classes at DCLP affiliated sites.

• The DCLP has helped establish over 20 neighborhood computer labs in Dallas and its surrounding communities. These affiliated neighborhood computer labs are providing over 1000 hours of free computer lab time per month to both youth and adults living in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

• The DCLP is currently working with over 30 community-based organizations and churches to provide computer training and access for disadvantaged people.

• DCLP volunteers are teaching FREE computer literacy classes three days a week at two DISD learning centers in the Fair Park area of South Dallas and at the DCCAC Computer Training Center.

• The DCLP is working with individuals in Arlington, Ft. Worth and Denton to develop computer literacy programs there.

• Recipient of the 1993 REACH Award - a $15,000 award given by the computer industry Recognizing Exceptional Achievement in Community Help. The DCLP was recognized for its outstanding contribution to the Dallas community through education and training. The REACH award sponsors included Apple Computer, Microsoft Corporation, Panasonic Communications and Ziff-Davis Publishing.