Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #437FY0102
Computer Mentors Florida Power Up Training Center
Requester:		Ralph Smith			Organization:		Computer Mentors Group, Inc.
Project Title:		Computer Mentors Florida Power Up Training Center			Date Submitted:		1/18/2002 8:53:00 AM
Sponsors:		Arthenia Joyner, Sandra Murman
Statewide Interest:
Computer Mentors has been tentatively approached by Pinellas County and Miami Dade County for information relating to its technology programs for youth. The structure of the program is easily adaptable and duplicable for not only statewide, but national interest as well.
Recipient:		Computer Mentors Group, Inc.			Contact:		Ralph Smith
		2802 East Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Suite F			Contact Phone:		(813) 236-1191
		Tampa 33610
Counties:		Hillsborough
Gov't Entity:			Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit):					Yes
Project Description:
This project will provide free computer training and computers to 60 inner-city youth. Training consists of computer literacy in computer hardware and software and culminates with youth building what becomes their own free personal computer. Youths, 14-18, years of age, are also offered perpetual advanced computer training until graduation from high school. Advanced courses include: computer programming; web design; Microsoft Office; and technical certification training. The requested funding will be used for program operations including the purchasing of computer software licenses, upgrade hardware equipment, and staff salaries.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
Targeted youth will be knowledgeable about computer technology, receive tools needed to bridge the digital divide, and have the opportunity to become entrepreneurs using information technology or become strong employees in a competitive job market. Evaluations are measured and documented from: (1) Class assessments throughout the program to determine youths' individual level of understanding and learning of the training concepts; (2) A final evaluation on youths' knowledge of technology; (3) A Program Evaluation Questionnaire that is administered yearly to determine student perception of the program; (4) School attendance as documented by record/report card; (5) Enrollment or employment documentation from a higher institute of learning or employer. Computer Mentors has been successful in following recent high school seniors (7 of 7 or 100%) who have graduated the program and continued on to their first year of college.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:						$127,229
Identify items(s) in the FY 2002-03 Appropriations Bill to be reduced:
Specific Appropriation #:			Line 7C
Specific Appropriation Title:			Grants and Aids - Mentoring/Student Assistance
Amount to be reduced:			$127,229
Total cost of the project:			$320,000
Request has been made to fund:				Operations
What type of match exists for this project?					Private
	Cash Amount:		$110,000		In-Kind Amount:		$120,000
Was this project previously funded by the State?							No
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?							Yes
	Amount:		$99,826
	Purpose for future year funding:					Recurring Operations
	Will this be an annual request?						No
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?							No
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?							No
Is there a documented need for this project?							Yes
	Documentation:		Organization's need assessment and statistics.
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?							Unknown