Eastmont Computing Center
Oakland is full of awesome organizations that give all they’ve got for the wellbeing of their community. These organizations recognize the importance of digital inclusion in their mission, whether that means incorporation of digital inclusion activities in their programs or full dedication of their mission to digital inclusion. We at ODIS headquarters are psyched to see so many of Oakland’s community organizations signing up to speak, present examples of their digital inclusion activities, host a booth, or simply attend the ODIS in February. One such organization who will be speaking and hosting a booth at the Summit is Eastmont Computing Center.
Eastmont Computing Center (ECC), directed by Tony Fleming, is a community technology organization that provides direct training, education, and free computer and high-speed broadband Internet access to over 300 East Oakland residents per week. ECC delivers high-quality, technology-focused employment training to members of Oakland’s under-served communities, provides technical assistance designed to create community technology centers throughout Oakland, links Oakland’s under-served communities to advanced technology applications and infrastructure to enhance community-building and economic development, and catalyzes action on community technology issues in Oakland.
“Since 1998, ECC (a project of OCCUR) has offered many innovative programs in technology literacy and training to the residents and organizations in East Oakland.” Their “employment-focused, cutting-edge technology training has been a model for community technology centers worldwide.” ECC delivers CNA, MCSE, and A+ employment certification to underserved communities, as well as provides technical assistance in community technology startup and ongoing operation. ECC’s Intel Computer Clubhouse provides a safe, welcoming environment for after-school activities focusing on the “creative discovery and skill-building in the areas of graphic design, web design, robotics, multimedia, video editing, digital storytelling, computer programming, and music production” for 10 to 18-year olds. ECC reaches out to all ages, though. Check out TechSoup’s video on ECC’s senior citizens program:
One of ECC’s current projects, in collaboration with EBALDC, OHA, and One Economy Corp., is to create a “hub-and-spoke architecture of learning centers serving community and residential stakeholders through a connected network of shared resources, best practices, key goals, and vital objectives.” The first phase of the project will be launched in Oakland’s former “6-9 Village,” now renamed Lion Creek Crossings. The “Lion Creek’s Neighborhood Network Center” will serve as a national model “for placing computer access and training in residential developments.” Look for the official Grand Opening of the Lion Creek Neighborhood Network Center in February 2008!
To learn more about Eastmont Computing Center and how you can contribute to the organization’s mission, visit their website at www.eastmont.net.
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