Description
In March 2000, Excellence By Choice Inc. (EBC Inc.), in-conjunction with the City of Durham (NC) Parks and Recreation Department, launched a regional economic development initiative, known as the City-wide Technology Enrichment Program (CTEP), a comprehensive computer literacy, academic enrichment and informational program for children and youth, ages (5 - 18), adults, and senior citizens. EBC Inc. coordinates and administers this initiative serving nearly 5000 residents at ten (10) Durham Parks and Recreation Department facilities. CTEP initiative currently has a collaborative that consists of over 40 area corporations, agencies and community-based organizations. These partnerships were formed with the goal of bringing technology enrichment and computer-based programs into inner city communities, and creating job opportunities through computer-based job training. Structured programs are offered in the area of computer literacy, academic enrichment, tutoring and life skills training. In addition, local residents participate in hands-on demonstrations and informational workshops, senior citizens become proficient with their use of the technology; as well as, provide a means through which the entire community can access city, state and federal government services. CTEP partners include area corporations, foundations, government agencies, and community-base organizations. SAS Institute, Microsoft, Best Buy, IBM, Gateway, Nortel, Verizon, Time Warner Cable, Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, NASA, The World Bank, and others provide substantial contributions to the initiative. North Carolina Central University, Duke University, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, and Durham Technical Community College provide students that assist in operations, tutoring and mentoring at each center. Additionally, over 100 volunteers assist in the project. CTEP has gained local, state, national and international recognition as an impressive, innovative, cost effective collaborative that helps to bridge the "Digital Divide". Representatives from the Office of the Governor, and North Carolina Department of Public Instruction along with officials from Japan, New Zealand, Florida, South Carolina, and Native Americans located in rural areas, have visited CTEP sites to learn more about the CTEP model. Visitors praise the CTEP initiative as the premiere model for the state, nation and abroad. Officials from several other states including Nevada, Colorado, Ohio, New York, Virginia, Kentucky and Hawaii have requested information about the project. In September 2001, the CTEP initiative was showcased at the Community Technology Centers regional conference held at North Carolina Central University - School of Education Building. CTEP initiative was a topic of discussion during the 2001 meeting of the "U. S. Conference of Governors", and, nominated for the "Public Technology Solutions Award 2001". CTEP/DPRD was recently selected recipient of the coveted North Carolina Recreation and Parks Society "Innovative Program Award 2002". CTEP has been featured as "Nation's Best Model" in the December 2001/January 2002 edition of "The Children Partnership" national magazine, as well as, featured in the "National League of Cities" July 2002 national publication.
