Service start date:June 15, 2002 | Service end date:June 14, 2003

Who is the population served
FOTS serves at risk youth in the Potomac Garden area of Southeast DC.

What kind of setup is there for the tech center (how many computers, what kind...)
FOTS CTC has two computer labs a Multimedia Lab which has 6 computers with educational software use by the students and tutor. The other lab has 10 computers with internet access, desktop publishing software, typing tutorials, and educational games. There are also desktops available for student to complete homework. Before leaving, 4 more computer were connected to the internet through a wireless setup.

What kind of programs are offered?
After-school programs and summer camp which, provides one-on-one volunteer tutoring and mentoring, enrichment classes, computer training, and homework assistance, donations of computer equipment and support to the members.

What I did
I provided technical support for the staff and the Computer Technology Center (CTC). I developed documentation and curriculum for the CTC, maintained day-to-day operation of the CTC, as well as, assisted in the development and planning of projects which would apply computer technology to after-school enrichment programs.

What are some successes/failures you have had at your site?
It has been overwhelming here because there is limited staff and the behavior of the students can lead to the decrease of participation and commitment of the volunteers.

What did the lab look like when you started, what does it look like now and what new programs/volunteers are there?
When I first started, the lab was equiped with 9 Pentium I computers. Now, upgraded to 10 Pentium II computers. A Photoshop, HTML Fundamentals, and Digital Media class has been added with the assistance of three volunteers.

Is there anything that you used in the lab that worked really well (best practices, web sites that you really like and why)?
Yes. Finding resoures and tips in the CTCNet Toolkit was wonderful. Searching the internet through Google was helpful with finding manuals for the donated equiment and other information. Then DriverGuide has many drivers for free downloads with registration. Network for Good Non-Profit Resources has many useful resources. AAA Math is a good resource for practicing mathematics. The Foundation Center is a great for grant writing resources with its free seminars. TechAtlas.org is a good site for technology plans because it is interactive and it also produces feedback.

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