About Us

OUR MISSION is to enable organizations to better support underserved communities and facilitate social change through technology resources and training.

Current Programs

COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP TRAINING, a training course for trainers who work in or manage a public computer lab. The training helps them better understand all the aspects of creating an active, sustainable learning environment by discussing fundraising, volunteer management, media literacy, the technical maintenance needed in a lab setting, leadership development, evaluation, event planning, outreach, and emerging technologies.

MONTHLY NETWORKING MEETINGS that bring together professionals working in areas related to community technology. Since February 2008 there have been meetings on digital storytelling, integrating technology into after school programs, community media, successful partnerships, adult literacy, and refurbished computers.

CTNBAYAREA.ORG WEBSITE is being redesigned to serve as a tool for computer lab managers. It will contain links to resources such as lesson plans, instructional videos, a discussion forum, and toolkits. Lab managers can post information about their center, promote upcoming classes and recruit volunteers. The site will include a map of the Bay Area and display where community technology providers are located. Once populated with information, individuals looking for training will be able to search for a class by topic, location and cost. Volunteers seeking to help share their knowledge can search for and sign up for opportunities within these labs.

Future Programs

VOLUNTEERS will be recruited and trained to work as computer tutors and lab monitors. Lab managers will request a volunteer and CTN will match them with a qualified volunteer. CTN will work with the lab manager to track their progress and evaluate success.

MENTORING & MANAGEMENT SERVICES will be offered to community organizations who are interested in installing a computer lab or updating an existing lab. Inexperienced staff will be encouraged to take the leadership training and CTN will provide ongoing support to ensure the lab manager has the knowledge necessary to create a sustainable program.

Partners