UB Faculty and Students to Assist in Community Computer Training Through a Grant from Verizon

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Students and faculty members from the University at Buffalo will collaborate with a local agency to establish a computer lab and training program on Buffalo's East Side, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation.

The Dominion Computer Training Program, administered by Dominion Charities, Inc., will provide computer literacy and Internet access and training for senior citizens, adults and youths in Buffalo's Emslie neighborhood and the Ellicott District in general.

"Through this program, the university has the opportunity to use its resources and students to help foster change in one of the city's impoverished neighborhoods," said Patricia Carter, clinical assistant professor, in the Center for Urban Studies in the UB School of Architecture and Planning.

The computer lab, located in the annex building of the Church of God in Christ at 360 Genesee St., will be equipped with approximately 25 Internet-accessible computers available for public use.

Approximately 40 undergraduate students and two graduate assistants from Carter's class, "PD 360 - Environmental Design Workshop II," are evaluating the information needs of the community and will create a neighborhood Web page. In the process, UB students are gaining experience using Web-based tutorials and other graphic design programs. According to Carter, the Emslie neighborhood Web page is expected to be available on the Internet later this month.

"Verizon always is looking for ways that it can support community programs, particularly those that build on collaborations binding the expertise of UB to perceived regional needs," said Maureen Rasp-Glose, community affairs director for Verizon Foundation.

The program is a collaborative effort between Dominion Charities, Inc., the City of Buffalo Good Neighbors Planning Alliance and the UB Center for Urban Studies. The Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency and Dominion Charities, Inc. also have contributed funds for the program.

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