Cutting the Ribbon on New Tech Opportunities

Carroll Gardens Patch

The Neighborhood Files

The Carroll Gardens Association officially opens its new computer training center.

By Miriam Coleman | May 20, 2011 (Photo by Miriam Coleman)

“Those days are over when you can have a job without a computer,” said Francis Ilonzeh, a fresh graduate of the Carroll Gardens Association’s new Computer Training Center. “That’s why I took the class. I want to catch up.”

The Carroll Gardens Association cut the ribbon on the training center today, while awarding certificates of completion to students who had just finished the center’s first six-week class session.

Housed in a bright room inside the Association’s Columbia Street office, the new training center offers free computer classes for neighborhood residents. While the classes are aimed at low-income residents who need a career boost, CGA board member Cynthia Gonzalez noted that the classes are open to all.

“Our students are comprised of community residents, some of whom are elderly. We have veterans. We have some disabled people, and obviously youth. It’s a really nice mix,” she said.

Funding for the training center was raised by State Senators Daniel Squadron and Velmanette Montgomery, who provided a combined grant of $17,500 through the New York State Department of State. The grant was used to refurbish ten computers donated by the National Christina Foundation, hire a teacher, and turn an old conference room into a classroom.

The two Senators were in attendance for the ribbon cutting.

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