Teen Technology Network Launched in West Philadelphia!

As of February 2004, the Teen Technology Network is officially underway in West Philadelphia. TTN is an after-school program for West Philadelphia and University City High School students designed to help improve academic performance and develop their use of technology as a tool for personal development. Involved students come to community technology centers for these classes twice a week in ten-week modules. Over the course of the ten weeks, they are engaged in academic activities, service learning projects, as well as an online mentoring relationship with adults from the community. TTN participants receive a free computer for their household, and various internships are available upon completion of the program.

TTN’s first cycle kicked off on Wednesday, February 4, at an opening ceremony at the People’s Emergency Center. Thirty students and their parents were given a chance to meet and hear from everyone involved in the program, including staff from the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, School District of Philadelphia, People’s Emergency Center, AchieveAbility, and IBM. Such a strong turnout gives good reason to believe that the Teen Technology Network will be a community asset for years to come.