For Immediate Release
October 24, 2003
Contacts:
703-324-8313
703-324-8300
Department of Education Awards Library Foundation $333,000 for Computer Clubhouses
Fairfax, VA - The Fairfax Library Foundation has been awarded a $333,747 grant by the US Department of Education for the establishment of three new Computer Clubhouses, which will be operated by the Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services.
The grant will expand the number of Computer Clubhouses from three to six, and fund: the Americorps Vista members who staff clubhouses; the purchase of software and hardware; and program evaluation for the three new Computer Clubhouses, which will be located at the James Lee Community Center in Falls Church, the Mott Community Center in Fairfax, and the Reston Teen Center.
"Librarians are experts in information literacy, and the Library Foundation is pleased to contribute to the information literacy skills of Fairfax County youth through these new Computer Clubhouses," says the Library Foundation's Executive Director Roberta Longworth. "The Library Foundation's mission is to enhance our community through Fairfax County Public Library. This includes bridging the digital divide through the 'virtual library'," Longworth continues.
The Fairfax County Public Library originally brought the national Computer Clubhouses model to Fairfax County in the late '90s. FCPL Associate Director Vera Fessler wrote the original $7,500 grant that paid for staff to attend Computer Clubhouse training through the Boston Museum of Science and the MIT Media Lab. The Library, in partnership with CRS and the Northern Virginia Technology Council, then started the first clubhouse at Gum Springs Community Center. CRS now operates successful Computer Clubhouses at the Bailey's Community Center in Falls Church, the Gum Springs Community Center in Alexandria, and the Willston Multicultural Center in the Seven Corners area of Falls Church.
"Computer Clubhouses combine recreation with education and exploration in a safe, non-threatening environment. Participants learn new technology skills and are able to apply them in ways that benefit the participants academically, socially, and vocationally," says CRS Division Supervisor Ingrid Parris-Hicklin.
Students in grades two through twelve are targeted for this program. Mentors, instructors, and activity facilitators are obtained through the Northern Virginia Technology Council, the Library, the Fairfax County Public School system and other organizations.
"The Computer Clubhouse uses a unique format that is somewhat different from other computer center programs," explains Tim Nurvala, president of the NVTC Foundation. "The students learn how to use advanced software for design, exploration, and experimentation," Nurvala continues. Clubhouse activities include computer simulations, multimedia creations, electronic music, computer game design, electronic publishing, computer-controlled devices, three-dimensional design, and Web page development. "They're not just passive consumers of technology," Nurvala says.
The NVTC Foundation, and the other partners, have committed to leveraging the funds necessary to continue staffing and other funding needs after the Department of Education one-year grant ends. The NVTC Foundation currently funds the AmeriCorps VISTA members who help to staff the Clubhouses. The NVTC Foundation also offsets the operational costs of the three existing Computer Clubhouses through donations of funds, equipment, and services.
The Fairfax County Public School system plays an integral role in the Computer Clubhouse program. "The kids who come to the Computer Clubhouses learn to use technology to integrate concepts learned in school," says Maribeth Luftglass, FCPS Assistant Superintendent and Chief Information Officer in the Department of Information Technology. Luftglass explains that the outcome goals of the project include improved school performance, a higher promotion and graduation rate, improved school attendance records, higher SAT scores, and more vocational or internship placements among Computer Clubhouse participants.
Since its inception, Fairfax County's Computer Clubhouse program has become an award-winning project that has helped an estimated 3,500 disadvantaged youth in the Fairfax community. To date, there have been more than 10,200 visits to Computer Clubhouses. For more information, click on Computer Clubhouse at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec.
Fairfax Library Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation committed to providing supplementary support to the Fairfax County Public Library. The Foundation, while reinforcing the need for continued and increased public support for the Library, serves as a catalyst for attracting private funding from individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations to enhance library services for our community.