Teen Center Celebrates Inaugural Cisco IT Training Program Graduation

For the past eight months, the “Digital Connectors” program, sponsored by Comcast, was held twice weekly at the Alexandra Gagnon Teen Center at the .  Fifteen teens were selected to participate based upon their leadership qualities and their interest in digital literacy.

“At a time when digital literacy is as critical as all other forms of education, it was a boon to the Island to have this important program take place here,” said Teen Center Director, Tony Lombardi.

“When Comcast approached us to be one of only 33 selected sites, we were thrilled to be able to offer a program that usually only takes place in cities around the country.”

Throughout the eight month long program, students were required to attend two weekly class sessions in which they studied and became certified in Cisco systems IT technology, financial literacy, film creation, computer repair and much more. In addition, all students had to complete community service hours.

The graduation ceremony was held in THE BASE performing arts space below the teen center which
is also sponsored by Comcast. According to Lombardi, “Were it not for the support of Comcast, we would have little or none of the technology that we have which includes all of the creative arts equipment in THE BASE, Studio 57 recording studio, a computer lab and much more. Comcast has made it possible for us to offer state of the art programs and events that otherwise would not have been possible.”

Comcast and the Teen Center are planning to host a second Digital Connectors class beginning this fall. The Alexandra Gagnon Teen Center is located at the YMCA and is open to all teens age 13 – 18 for events and activities throughout the summer.

Please call 508-696-7171 for more information or find event listings in the event pages of MV Patch.