BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
Ralph Smith, founder and CEO of Computer Mentors Group, Inc., will sponsor two computer programs this summer. Teenagers accepted in the program must reside in the 33605 and 33610 zip codes.
Both programs are free and will take place at the Computer Mentors Training Center, 2802 E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd., Suite, E. Each program will accept up to 15 students. The students must be between the ages of 14 and 18 to participate.
The “Youth Involved In The Neighborhood” Program will begin on June 17th and will operate for 4 weeks. The class will meet from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
The students will have an opportunity to earn high-end technology products by completing technology products for local non-profit organizations. The youth will also get an opportunity to earn an industry standard certification in a Microsoft Office product.
At the end of the summer, there will be presentations and $1,500 is available for prizes for the best summer projects.
Computer Mentors is also accepting applications for technology projects from local non-profit organizations, local pseudo government agencies, and churches. The Information Technology project examples include web design and development, phone and web app development; videography, and eCommerce.
“Having an opportunity to work on these types of programs empowers the youngsters with skills required to compete in today’s economy while affording local organizations completed projects needed to fulfill their missions,” Smith said.
The second program being offered by the organization is the “Youth Entrepreneurship Program.” is the second summer program being offered by the organization. This program exposes youngsters to business concepts framed in attainable steps they can take to bring their big ideas to market. The best ideas will be awarded seed money to implement their ideas as well as to learn about entrepreneurship, Smith said.
The students attending the class will focus on such activities as Creative Problem-Solving; Critical Thinking; Idea Framing; and Problem-Solving.
The will discuss the business model generation — building a business plan, collaboration, organizing and planning to follow through. Also included on the agenda is the Startup Execution, applying the scientific method to their business plans, listening to others points of view, and adapting their current perceptions into marketable solutions.
The classes will meet on Saturdays and up to 15 youth, between the ages of 14 and 18 can apply.
For more information, contact Ralph Smith at (813) 241-4200, by email at YouthEnrepreneurship@ComputerMentors.org. Or, for applications for both summer programs as well as applications for non-profits are available online in the program section of the Computer Mentors Group website, at www.computermentors.org
